THE recent resolution of the chief justices of the countrys high courts to evolve a code of conduct is a step in the right direction. But the very fact that it is needed only brings into sharp relief the question mark that exists over ethical standards in the judiciary. The move to make the judiciary more effective and accountable is certainly welcome. Naturally, many are asking why this pillar of society at all needed to remind itself of the desirability of such a code, given the "hallowed status" it enjoys. Called the "Restatement of Values of Judicial Life", this code, many legal eagles believe, is a pre-emptive strike by Chief Justice A.S. Anand against norms that may be stipulated by the government through the proposed National Judicial Commission.