Terrorism, jazz, Kirby and Trevi Fountain

The subjects at the Sub-Commission on Human Rights in Geneva ranged from affirmative action, impact of corruption on human rights, protection of refugees, terrorism and human rights.
By an unanimous resolution, ''''terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomsoever committed'''' and killing of persons by indiscriminate and random acts of violence was condemned.
The topic of right to clean drinking water and sanitation occasioned reference to our Supreme Court judgments which have construed these rights as part of the fundamental right to ''Life''.
One of the recommendations of the Constitution Review Commission is to specifically include the right to drinking water as a fundamental right.
Unfortunately, Parliament has not found time to debate these recommendations, including the proposed National Judicial Commission for the appointment of Supreme Court judges.
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After the heavy dose of intellectual food, a jazz concert in Geneva was refreshing. The veteran American pianist Kenny Barron played with Swiss musician George Robert. Kenny was brilliant with his runs on the keyboard and sensitive nuances.
He has aged slightly since his performances in Delhi jazz yatras and did not interact much with the audience except with a namaste. George displayed his virtuosity on the tenor-sax, clarinet and the soprano sax.
Jazz fans gave him a well-deserved applause. He has played in the US with well-known jazz musicians like Clark Terry, Ray Brown, Phil Woods and Chick Correa.
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A savage personal attack was recently made in the Australian Parliament by the cabinet secretary on Justice Michael Kirby, one of the country''s best-known judges, renowned for his contribution to human rights.
The incident raised important issues. The allegations suggestive of homosexual activities were found to be fake. The secretary resigned after making an abject apology which Kirby accepted. But that was not the end of the matter.
Retired and serving Australian judges and lawyers deplored the handling of the case. There was criticism about the silence of the Attorney General, Darryl Williams, who is expected to be the judiciary''s prime defender.
The argument is that if judges get embroiled in public controversy, they compromise their judicial dignity and impartiality.
Recommendations have been made in Australia and in the UK by law commissions for setting up of an independent body to handle complaints about senior judges.
Nothing has so far been done. This issue has surfaced in India too. An appropriate mechanism for this purpose needs to be put in place.
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One of the most popular songs is Three coins in the Fountain inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome. A wish is fulfilled to anyone who tosses a coin into its magical waters.
It has also been a source of lucrative income for Roberto Cercelletta who clandestinely took away the tourists'' offerings with a rake or a magnet or his own hands.
Roberto''s happy existence was rudely interrupted by the press which publicised his innovative style of living. The police swung into action and arrested him after his early morning dip in the Fountain.
He is charged with stealing the Fountain''s sunken treasure which is meant for charity. The daily take estimated by the police is $1000 in different currencies.
Roberto''s fervent wish for an early release after a lenient sentence may perhaps be fulfilled if he arranges to offer some of the stolen coins to the Fountain. In the meantime, he may just sing the popular song.