In a recent address at the inaugural Loksatta Annual Lecture in Mumbai, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the unwavering dedication of judges, even during their vacations. He underscored that judges are burdened with a growing volume and complexity of work as they ascend the ranks of the judiciary.
“Judges are not gallivanting or slacking off during their time off; they are deeply committed to their roles,” Chief Justice Chandrachud stated, as reported by PTI. He highlighted that the orders issued by judges shape the future of the nation for years to come, yet they often lack the necessary time to reflect on legal matters outside their casework. “Do we provide our judges with enough time to contemplate or engage with the law, or are we merely expecting them to function as mechanical machines focused solely on case disposal?” he queried.
The Chief Justice pointed to the extensive backlog of cases in lower courts, high courts, and the Supreme Court, attributing this issue to a shortage of judges and inadequate infrastructure.
Discussing the collegium system of judicial appointments, he acknowledged that while all institutions can be improved, this should not imply that the system itself is fundamentally flawed. He described the collegium as a federal framework where responsibility is shared among various levels of government, both central and state, alongside the judiciary. “It is a process of consultative dialogue, where consensus may not always be achieved, but that is part of the system,” he explained. He urged a mature understanding of this dynamic as indicative of the system’s strength.
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Chandrachud acknowledged that discussions regarding objections to judicial candidates are conducted with significant maturity. “It is easy to criticize our institution, yet every institution has the potential for improvement. The very existence of opportunities for growth should not lead us to believe that there is something fundamentally wrong with the institution,” he asserted. He noted that the judiciary has withstood the test of time for over 75 years, reinforcing trust in the democratic governance system that includes the judiciary.
Addressing the impact of social media on the judiciary, the Chief Justice remarked on its transformative effect. “Judges must exercise caution in their communications and use appropriate language,” he advised. However, he also recognized the positive societal implications of social media, stating it allows individuals to connect with a broad audience.
As Chief Justice DY Chandrachud prepares for his retirement on November 10, Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to succeed him in the country’s highest judicial position.
