Independence of the judiciary means that judges must be free from any influence, control, or interference from the other branches of government, powerful individuals, or special interest groups. It means that judges should be impartial and free to make their decisions based solely on the facts of the case and the law, without fear of reprisal or punishment. An independent judiciary is essential for the rule of law, which is the principle that all people, including government officials, are subject to the law and that no one is above it. This means that the judiciary must not be involved in law-making but should rather interpret and apply the law impartially. Therefore, an independent judiciary is a critical component of a democratic society as it serves as a check on the powers of the other branches of government and helps to uphold the rights and freedoms of citizens.