Title for Sorabjee

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of bilateral legal relations between India and Australia, the Australian government conferred one of its most prestigious titles, Order of Australia, on former attorney general of India Soli Sorabjee, reported The Indian Express of March 17, 2006. As noted Australia’s high commissioner John McCarthy, Sorabjee’s professional links with Australia’s judiciary, law academics and other eminent legal figures continue to open opportunities for expanding the links between India and Australia.

Sorabjee: legal links

On a recent services mission to India led by Australia’s solicitor general, Sorabjee’s active involvement was vital to the mission’s success, noted a press communiqué, referring to Sorabjee’s visit to Australia in 2000 when he advocated that both India and Australia use more of each other’s superior court judgments for guidance in cases involving similar areas of law.

A senior supreme court advocate, Sorabjee is currently heading a high-powered 12-member central committee drafting a new Police Act in place of the Police Act of 1861. After studying the laws of the United Kingdom, Canada and South Africa, the committee is considering the setting up of an independent body to monitor complaints against the high-handedness of the police, their corruption and unresponsiveness, noted a write-up in the Mumbai Mirror of March 31, 2006. Besides making the police accountable, the new Act also seeks to introduce community policing; suggesting measures for improvement in image of the police; empowering them and restoring their confidence; and setting up a security commission to look after transfers and promotions.