The Johannesburg Bar Council has strongly criticised the government for political interference in the judicial process.

The Bar is questioning moves made to withdraw arrest and search warrants issued by the courts in the case relating  to National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi.

The warrants were issued by a Randburg magistrate and Deputy Judge President Phineas Mojapelo prior to the suspension of National Prosecuting Authority head Vusi Pikoli.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe subsequently had the warrants withdrawn, but Judge Mojapelo, who issued the search warrants, refused.

The Johannesburg Bar Council says these moves show a lack of respect for the justice system.