CJI Says Delayed Justice Is Destroyed
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant warned that delays in court decisions can destroy justice rather than merely deny it. Speaking at the Fali Nariman Memorial Lecture in Mumbai, he said prompt judicial intervention is vital, especially for ordinary citizens facing executive actions where timely relief is often the only real form of justice.
Role Of High Courts Underlined
Justice Surya Kant emphasised that High Courts play a key role as the first line of defence for people whose rights are affected by administrative decisions. He said that interim relief at the first hearing is crucial to prevent irreversible harm, noting that delayed rulings can leave citizens without meaningful protection.
Need For Proactive Judiciary
The CJI called on High Courts to be proactive, accessible and responsive to systematic failures in the rule of law. He said courts must not wait for litigants to approach them but should remain vigilant to uphold constitutional rights effectively. The Chief Justice also stressed the importance of alternative dispute resolution tools such as mediation to reduce delays and ensure justice is timely and accessible.
