| Select IAS IPS Daily Current Affairs Analysis | IAS IPS Daily Current Affairs Analysis |
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Headline: 157 Killed in Nepal Flash Flood, Hundreds Missing
Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)
Massive Flash Flood: At least 157 people were killed and more than 400 people, including 133 Indians, were missing or out of contact after a massive flash flood in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River swept through villages in Rasuwa district, bordering China’s Tibet region, on Wednesday morning. Nepal’s Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers confirmed that 391 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens were out of contact.
Triggering Event: Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, citing satellite imagery, stated that a rock-and-ice landslide along the Nepal-China border caused a debris-laden flood in the Lhende River, a tributary of Bhotekoshi, which flowed through Timure and entered the Trishuli River. Earlier, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told Parliament that an earthquake around 8.37 a.m. may have triggered an ice avalanche, followed by the flood around 8.40 a.m., though the information required further verification.
Extent of Damage: The disaster has damaged 19 motorable bridges and 40 kilometres of road . Roads, bridges, hydropower, and communications infrastructure were extensively damaged in Timure and Syafrubesi in Rasuwa, and in Betravati, Trishuli, Battar, and Devighat in neighbouring Nuwakot .
Government Response: Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated that the government had immediately mobilised all resources for rescue operations and vowed that they would continue through the night . A Cabinet meeting declared the affected local governments in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading as disaster-crisis areas for three months .
Syllabus Mapping (Relevance)
GS Paper III: Disaster Management – Flash floods, Landslides, Disaster preparedness and response.
GS Paper I: Geography – Himalayan region, River systems, Landslides and glacial lakes.
GS Paper II: International Relations – India-Nepal relations, Cross-border disasters.
GS Paper III: Environment & Ecology – Climate change impacts.
GS Paper II: Governance – Crisis response, Disaster relief.
Deep Dive: Core Issues & Analysis (For Mains Answer Body)
A. Incident Overview
| Aspect | Details |
| Date | August 25, 2026 |
| Location | Bhotekoshi River, Rasuwa district, Nepal (Nepal-China border) |
| Confirmed Deaths | 157 |
| Missing/Out of Contact | 400+ (including 133 Indians) |
| Affected Districts | Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading |
| Infrastructure Damage | 19 bridges, 40 km of road, hydropower and communications infrastructure |
B. Triggering Mechanism
| Aspect | Details |
| Initial Information (Foreign Minister) | Earthquake (8.37 a.m.) triggered an ice avalanche, followed by flood (8.40 a.m.) |
| Satellite Imagery Analysis | Rock-and-ice landslide along Nepal-China border caused a debris-laden flood in the Lhende River |
| China’s Input | Landslide may have blocked a river in Tibet before water burst through (blocked river yet to fully open as of 1.35 p.m.) |
| No Rainfall | No rain in the region before the flood hit; rainfall was recorded on the Tibetan side |
C. Impact on Infrastructure and Communities
| Aspect | Details |
| Bridges | 19 motorable bridges damaged |
| Roads | 40 kilometres of road damaged |
| Hydropower | Several hydropower projects affected |
| Communications | Telecommunications infrastructure damaged |
| Security Personnel | Several security personnel and government officials out of contact |
| Indian Nationals | 133 Indians reported missing or out of contact |
D. Government Response
| Aspect | Details |
| Prime Minister’s Statement | Expressed “heavy heart” and described the disaster as “sudden” and “massive” |
| Rescue Operations | Immediate mobilisation of all resources; vow to continue through the night |
| Cabinet Decision | Declared affected local governments in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading as disaster-crisis areas for three months |
| Priority | Saving lives of injured, searching for missing, and protecting affected people |
E. Historical Context
| Aspect | Details |
| July 2025 | Flash floods in the same Bhotekoshi River killed 9 people and washed away the Miteri Pul (Friendship Bridge) linking Nepal and China |
| Weather Pattern | Both incidents occurred without rain in the Nepali side, with rainfall recorded on the Tibetan side |
F. River System
| Aspect | Details |
| Bhotekoshi River | Originates in Tibet, flows into Nepal |
| Trishuli River | Bhotekoshi joins Trishuli in Nepal |
| Gandak River | Trishuli flows into India as the Gandak River |
Key Terms (For Prelims & Mains)
Bhotekoshi River: A river originating in Tibet that flows into Nepal, joining the Trishuli River.
Trishuli River: A major river in Nepal that flows into India as the Gandak River.
Rock-and-Ice Landslide: A landslide involving rock and ice, which can generate debris-laden floods downstream.
Debris-Laden Flood: A flood carrying large amounts of sediment, rock, and debris, causing more destruction than clear-water floods.
Disaster-Crisis Area: A formal declaration by the government allowing for enhanced response and resource mobilisation.
Rasuwa District: A district in Nepal bordering China’s Tibet region, severely affected by the flood.
Nuwakot District: A neighbouring district also affected by the flood.
Gandak River: The river formed by the confluence of the Trishuli and other rivers, flowing into India.
Mains Question Framing
GS Paper III (Disaster Management): “The flash flood in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River, triggered by a rock-and-ice landslide, has killed over 150 people and left hundreds missing. Analyse the disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the Himalayan region.”
GS Paper I (Geography): “The Himalayan region is prone to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and landslide-induced floods. Discuss the causes and impacts of such events with reference to the recent Nepal flood.”
GS Paper II (International Relations): “Cross-border disasters require coordinated response mechanisms. Discuss the implications for India-Nepal relations and the need for regional cooperation on disaster management.”
GS Paper III (Environment): “Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events and glacial hazards in the Himalayas. Analyse the environmental and developmental implications.”
Linkage to Broader Issues & Debates
Himalayan Vulnerability: The Himalayan region is highly susceptible to natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Climate change is increasing the frequency of such events.
Cross-Border Disasters: The Bhotekoshi River originates in Tibet and flows into Nepal, highlighting the need for cross-border cooperation on disaster management between China, Nepal, and India.
Glacial Hazards: The rock-and-ice landslide and resulting flood point to the growing risk of glacial hazards in the region, as glaciers retreat and permafrost thaws due to climate change.
Infrastructure Vulnerability: The damage to roads, bridges, and hydropower projects underscores the need for climate-resilient infrastructure in the Himalayas.
Indian Citizens Abroad: The presence of 133 missing Indians highlights India’s responsibility to protect its citizens working in neighbouring countries.
Conclusion & Way Forward
The catastrophic flash flood in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River on August 25, 2026, triggered by a rock-and-ice landslide along the Nepal-China border, has claimed at least 157 lives and left over 400 people missing, including 133 Indians . The disaster has caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, hydropower projects, and communications infrastructure in Rasuwa and neighbouring districts .
Nepal’s government has mobilised all available resources for rescue operations and declared the affected areas as disaster-crisis areas for three months . However, the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue .
The event highlights the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change. It also underscores the need for cross-border cooperation on disaster management, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure.
The Way Forward
- Rescue Operations: Continue intensive search and rescue operations to locate missing persons and provide medical assistance to survivors.
- Infrastructure Restoration: Urgently restore roads, bridges, electricity, and telecommunications in the affected areas.
- Cross-Border Coordination: Strengthen coordination between China, Nepal, and India on flood forecasting and early warning systems for transboundary rivers.
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure in the Himalayan region, including roads, bridges, and hydropower projects.
- GLOF Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks in the region and implement mitigation measures.
- Disaster Preparedness: Strengthen disaster preparedness mechanisms, including early warning systems, evacuation plans, and community awareness.
- Assistance to India: The Indian government must provide assistance to the families of missing Indian nationals and coordinate with Nepali authorities on rescue efforts.
- Long-term Planning: Develop a long-term strategy for disaster risk reduction in the Himalayan region, integrating climate adaptation into development planning.
The Bhotekoshi flash flood is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters in the Himalayas. As climate change continues to increase the frequency of such events, urgent action is needed to build resilience and protect the lives and livelihoods of people across the region.
Headline: India, China Agree to Advance Talks on Border Delimitation
Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)
25th Special Representatives’ Talks: India and China agreed to advance discussions on an “early and substantial harvest of boundary delimitation” following the 25th meeting of Special Representatives (SRs) in Beijing.
Indian Representative: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
Chinese Representative: Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Major Outcomes — 8-Point Understanding
- Advance discussions on boundary delimitation.
- Set up/operationalise the Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation.
- Strengthen the Working Group on Border Management.
- Hold an expert-level trans-border rivers mechanism meeting in September.
- Maintain communication on hydrological data sharing.
- Establish 2 additional military meeting points.
- Establish 2 additional military hotlines in the Eastern and Middle Sectors.
- Strengthen cooperation in border trade, pilgrimage and other people-to-people exchanges.
Syllabus Mapping (UPSC)
GS Paper II
- India and its neighbourhood
- India–China relations
- Bilateral agreements
- International relations
GS Paper I
- Political geography
- Himalayan boundary
GS Paper III
- Internal security
- Border management
- Disaster management
- Transboundary rivers
A. Background: Special Representatives’ Talks
What are SR Talks?
The Special Representatives’ mechanism is a high-level political mechanism between India and China to discuss the boundary question.
India: National Security Adviser
China: Senior political/diplomatic representative, currently Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Main Purpose
To seek a political settlement of the India–China boundary question and provide strategic guidance for bilateral relations.
B. Key Outcome: “Early and Substantial Harvest”
The two sides agreed to advance discussions through:
1. Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation
- Agreed upon during the previous SR talks.
- Will advance discussions on boundary delimitation.
- The immediate task is to finalise its Terms of Reference (ToR).
2. Working Group on Border Management
Functioning under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC).
It will focus on:
- Border management
- Resolving outstanding issues
- Preventing misunderstandings and miscalculations
- Maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LAC
C. Boundary Question — Key Agreement
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to negotiate a settlement framework based on the:
2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles
This agreement provides broad principles for settling the India–China boundary question.
Key Concept
Boundary Delimitation ≠ Boundary Demarcation
Boundary Delimitation
- Political/legal process of defining the boundary through agreement and documents.
Boundary Demarcation
- Physical marking of the boundary on the ground.
⭐ UPSC Point:
The latest discussions concern moving forward on delimitation, which is a step towards resolving the long-standing boundary dispute.
D. Improving Border Management
Both sides agreed that any ground situation would be addressed promptly through existing mechanisms:
Important Mechanisms
- WMCC
- Local commander-level meetings
- Military communication channels
- Diplomatic channels
Objective
- Avoid misunderstandings
- Prevent miscalculation
- Resolve outstanding issues
- Maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC
E. New Military Confidence-Building Measures
2 Additional Meeting Points
For:
- General Level
- Senior Highest Military Commander-level meetings
These provide additional channels for direct military communication.
2 Additional Military Hotlines
To be established in:
Eastern Sector + Middle Sector
Significance
Direct communication → faster response → reduced misunderstanding → lower escalation risk
F. Trans-Border Rivers — Important Outcome
India and China agreed to:
- Hold an expert-level trans-border rivers mechanism meeting in September.
- Maintain communication on hydrological data sharing.
Why Important for India?
Many rivers have origins in the Tibetan region.
These include:
- Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo)
- Indus system rivers
- Sutlej
Significance
Hydrological data sharing helps in:
- Flood forecasting
- Disaster preparedness
- Downstream water management
- Understanding upstream developments
G. Other Areas of Cooperation
Border Trade
The two sides noted the reopening of three designated border trading points.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra
- Both sides noted an increase in the number of batches.
- Agreed to strengthen cooperation related to pilgrimage.
Overall Objective
Border stability → greater connectivity → people-to-people contact → improvement in bilateral ties
H. Important Agreements & Mechanisms — Chronology
1993
Agreement on Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity along the LAC
1996
Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures in the Military Field
2005 ⭐
Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of the Boundary Question
2012
Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) established.
2026
25th SR Talks: Decision to advance discussions on boundary delimitation and border management.
I. Key Concepts for Prelims
LAC
The Line of Actual Control is the effective military control line between India and China.
⚠️ Important: It is not a mutually agreed and fully delineated international boundary.
WMCC
Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs
- Established in 2012
- Diplomatic and military mechanism
- Deals with management of border situations
Special Representatives’ Mechanism
A high-level political mechanism dealing primarily with the overall framework and settlement of the boundary question.
J. Significance of the Latest Understanding
1. From Crisis Management to Boundary Negotiation
The dialogue seeks to move beyond merely managing incidents towards discussions on boundary delimitation.
2. Better Military Communication
New meeting points and hotlines can reduce:
- Miscommunication
- Escalation
- Tactical misunderstandings
3. Transboundary Disaster Cooperation
Hydrological data sharing is important for:
- Flood management
- Early warning
- Himalayan disaster preparedness
4. Economic and People-to-People Ties
Reopening border trade and increasing pilgrimage exchanges may help normalise bilateral engagement.
K. Challenges Ahead
Despite the agreement, several issues remain:
- Differing perceptions of the LAC
- Unresolved boundary claims
- Difficult Himalayan terrain
- Strategic infrastructure build-up
- Trust deficit after previous border tensions
- Complex relationship between border peace and broader bilateral relations
L. Way Forward
Political Level
- Resume sustained boundary negotiations.
- Advance the 2005 Political Parameters framework.
Military Level
- Strengthen commander-level communication.
- Operationalise the new hotlines and meeting points.
- Improve mechanisms to prevent local escalation.
River Cooperation
- Ensure timely hydrological data sharing.
- Develop Himalayan flood early-warning mechanisms.
- Expand scientific cooperation on transboundary river risks.
Overall
Peace at the border should be accompanied by clear communication, confidence-building measures and a sustained political process for resolving the boundary question.
Headline: Why Was Acting CJ of Rajasthan HC Not Shifted, Judge Asks CJI
Preliminary Facts (For Mains Answer Introduction)
Judge’s Letters to CJI: Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta wrote three letters to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant this month, asking why his “fervent appeals” for the transfer of Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Sanjeev Prakash Sharma have been “ignored” despite “clear evidence” of “favouritism” and maladministration.
CJI’s Response: CJI Surya Kant issued a statement on Wednesday night, emphasising that he has taken note of the concerns raised by Justice Mehta. He stressed that “allegations against a sitting judge must be dealt with strictly through the established institutional mechanism” and that the contents of the letters cannot be adjudicated in the public domain.
Serious Allegations: Justice Mehta described a “grim and disturbing scenario” in his parent High Court, alleging maladministration and malpractices on both judicial and administrative sides. He alleged that cases were suddenly withdrawn and moved to the ACJ’s bench without justifiable cause, that the ACJ humiliated judicial officers to satisfy a “personal vendetta”, and that “anguished judges” were “frequently threatened” with retributive action, including transfer.
ACJ’s Retirement: Justice Mehta noted that he had been making repeated requests for a regular Chief Justice since early 2026. The ACJ is due to retire on September 26, 2026.
Rare Public Airing: The letters represent a rare public airing of grievances within the judiciary, an institution that typically operates with strict confidentiality, highlighting the complex tension between internal judicial discipline and the functioning of the collegium system.
Syllabus Mapping (Relevance)
GS Paper II: Polity & Governance – Judiciary, Collegium system, Judicial independence.
GS Paper II: Judiciary – Judicial accountability, Transparency, Institutional reforms.
GS Paper II: Constitution – Separation of powers, Judicial appointments.
GS Paper II: Governance – Institutional mechanisms, Accountability.
GS Paper II: International Relations – Comparative judicial systems.
Deep Dive: Core Issues & Analysis (For Mains Answer Body)
A. The Allegations: A “Grim and Disturbing Scenario”
In a series of three letters addressed to the CJI in August 2026, Justice Mehta detailed serious allegations against the Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Sanjeev Prakash Sharma:
| Allegation | Details |
| Favouritism and Nepotism | Described “rampant nepotism and favouritism” in the ACJ’s actions |
| Case Reallocation | Cases were “suddenly withdrawn” and moved to the ACJ’s bench “without any justifiable cause” |
| Intimidation of Judicial Officers | ACJ called and humiliated judicial officers to satisfy a “personal vendetta” |
| Waste of Public Money | Criticised a “fanciful plan” for a multi-storied guest house with almost 100 rooms as a “sheer waste of public money” |
| Threats to Colleagues | “Anguished judges” of the High Court were “frequently threatened” with retributive action, including transfer |
| Lack of Leadership | ACJ displayed a “total lack of leadership qualities” and conduct “unbecoming of a leader of the institution” |
| Maladministration | Maladministration and malpractices on both the judicial and administrative sides |
B. The Letters and Timeline
| Date | Key Points |
| August 2, 2026 | First letter: Described “grim and disturbing scenario”; noted repeated requests for a regular Chief Justice since early 2026; alleged cases were moved to ACJ’s bench; initially asked by CJI to provide a list of cases but then assured no need to place anything in writing |
| August 10, 2026 | Second letter: Noted that CJI had asked ACJ to respond to shifting of cases, but no specific information was available on the reply or facts of these cases |
| August 17, 2026 | Third letter: Used terms such as “rampant nepotism and favouritism” to describe the ACJ’s actions |
C. CJI’s Response: Institutional Process Must Prevail
The CJI issued a statement on Wednesday night emphasizing that such allegations must be dealt with through the “established institutional mechanism”:
| Key Points | Details |
| Institutional Process | “Allegations against a sitting judge must be dealt with strictly through the established institutional mechanism” |
| No Public Adjudication | Contents of the letters cannot be adjudicated in the public domain |
| Fair Opportunity | The judge concerned must be given a fair opportunity to place his response before any conclusion is reached |
| Allegations Not Findings | “The fact that allegations have been made, therefore, cannot by itself be treated as a finding against the judge” |
| Examination Underway | The matter is being examined at the appropriate level, taking into account the material placed by Justice Mehta as well as the response of Justice Sharma |
| Competent Authority | Any decision regarding the continuation, transfer, or other administrative action concerning the acting Chief Justice would be taken by the competent institutional authority after due consideration of the material |
D. The Collegium System and Its Critics
| Aspect | Details |
| Origin | The collegium is a judicial creation, not a constitutional one, evolved through the First, Second, and Third Judges Cases |
| Composition | Today’s collegium consists of five members: the CJI and four senior-most Supreme Court judges |
| Function | Recommends appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts |
| Criticism | Lack of “transparency, accountability and objectivity”; described as the “least transparent” in any major constitutional democracy |
E. The “Uncle Judge” Issue
| Aspect | Details |
| The Allegation | That relatives of sitting and retired judges receive an easier passage to the Bench |
| Former CJI R.M. Lodha | Remarked that nearly one in three High Court judges could be an “uncle” |
| 2018 Government Flag | 11 of 33 names recommended by the Allahabad High Court collegium were flagged as relatives of sitting or retired judges |
| 2025 Assessment | Nearly 30% of Supreme Court judges had familial links to former judges |
| Collegium’s Response | In January 2025, discussed barring kith and kin (higher scrutiny agreed, but a legal bar was not created) |
F. International Comparisons
| Country | System |
| United Kingdom | Judicial Appointments Commission publicly advertises vacancies and conducts structured interviews |
| South Africa | Judicial Service Commission invites nominations publicly and conducts televised interviews |
| India’s Position | No public advertising, no structured interviews, no televised proceedings |
Key Terms (For Prelims & Mains)
Collegium System: The body comprising the CJI and senior judges that recommends appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
First Judges Case (1981): Gave the executive primacy in judicial appointments.
Second Judges Case (1993): Shifted primacy to the CJI and senior judges.
Third Judges Case (1998): Expanded the collegium into today’s five-member body.
“Uncle Judges”: A colloquial term for relatives of sitting or retired judges appointed to the bench.
Article 124: The constitutional provision for the appointment of Supreme Court judges.
Article 217: The constitutional provision for the appointment of High Court judges.
Acting Chief Justice: A senior judge of a High Court appointed to perform the functions of the Chief Justice in the absence of a regular Chief Justice.
Mains Question Framing
GS Paper II (Polity): “The public airing of grievances by a Supreme Court judge over the transfer of the Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court highlights the tension between judicial independence and accountability. Critically examine.”
GS Paper II (Judiciary): “The collegium system has been criticised for its lack of transparency and accountability. Discuss the case for reforms in judicial appointments with reference to recent developments.”
GS Paper II (Constitution): “Articles 124 and 217 govern the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary. Analyse the constitutional framework and the role of the collegium system.”
GS Paper II (Governance): “Institutional mechanisms for addressing allegations against sitting judges are essential for maintaining public trust in the judiciary. Discuss.”
Linkage to Broader Issues & Debates
Judicial Independence vs. Accountability: The collegium system was designed to protect judicial independence from executive interference. However, critics argue that independence has been allowed to eclipse accountability.
Transparency in Judicial Appointments: This incident highlights the ongoing debate about transparency and accountability within the collegium system, which has faced criticism for its lack of “transparency, accountability and objectivity”.
Institutional Silence: The key concern raised by this episode is the potential for an “institutional silence” that can protect individuals from scrutiny.
The “Uncle” or “Brother” Judge Issue: This is not just a question of individual conduct; it is a systemic one that the collegium system has struggled to address.
Legitimacy Erosion: Institutions that resist reform witness a slow erosion of the legitimacy they seek to protect.
Conclusion & Way Forward
The public disagreement between Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta and Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over the transfer of the Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice is a significant moment in India’s judicial history. It represents a rare public airing of grievances within the judiciary, an institution that typically operates with strict confidentiality.
Justice Mehta’s letters detailed serious allegations of “favouritism”, “rampant nepotism”, intimidation of judicial officers, and waste of public money against Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. The CJI’s response emphasized that such allegations must be dealt with through the “established institutional mechanism” and cannot be adjudicated in the public domain.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate about transparency and accountability within the collegium system. While the judiciary’s independence is vital for its functioning, it also requires accountability to maintain public trust and ensure “quality of justice”. The “Uncle” judge issue is a systemic one that the collegium system has struggled to address.
The Way Forward
- Institutional Process: The CJI must ensure that the institutional process for examining allegations against the ACJ is fair, transparent, and expeditious.
- Internal Accountability: The collegium system must evolve to accommodate greater internal accountability.
- Transparency Reforms: Consider reforms to make the collegium process more transparent, including publishing reasons for decisions.
- Higher Scrutiny: Implement higher scrutiny for relatives of sitting and retired judges, as discussed by the collegium in principle.
- Regular Chief Justice Appointments: Ensure timely appointment of regular Chief Justices to High Courts to avoid prolonged periods of acting arrangements.
- Public Confidence: The judiciary must address systemic issues to prevent erosion of public confidence.
- Dialogue: Encourage constructive dialogue between judges and the CJI to resolve administrative issues without resorting to public letters.
Unless the collegium system evolves to accommodate greater internal accountability, such episodes will continue to erode public faith in the judiciary’s ability to police itself.
