CJI Surya Kant Backs Scrutiny of Judiciary
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has said the judiciary cannot place itself beyond scrutiny, arguing that fair and informed criticism is essential for transparency, institutional accountability and maintaining public confidence in India’s justice system.
CJI Surya Kant Backs Judicial Scrutiny
Speaking at the sixth Ram Jethmalani Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, CJI Surya Kant said constructive criticism of judicial functioning was a legitimate and necessary feature of constitutional democracy.
He said courts could not expect public confidence while insulating themselves from examination or questioning. The Chief Justice stressed that institutions remain credible by being open to scrutiny and correcting shortcomings when necessary.
Public Trust Central to Judicial Authority
CJI Surya Kant described public trust as fundamental to the judiciary’s authority, noting that courts possess neither financial nor executive power comparable with other branches of government.
He said such confidence could not be earned once and assumed to continue indefinitely. Instead, trust must be renewed through people’s everyday experiences with the justice system and the perceived fairness of judicial processes.
The Chief Justice also distinguished public trust from public approval, saying courts do not build credibility merely by delivering outcomes that people favour.
Transparency Includes Reasoned Judgments
CJI Surya Kant said judicial transparency extends beyond open courtrooms and public hearings. Courts, he said, must provide reasoning that allows their decisions to be examined and understood, including by parties who disagree with the outcome.
He also acknowledged calls for institutional reform, stating that no institution could afford to remain static. However, he cautioned that some administrative and institutional matters may not be appropriate for discussion on public platforms.
Senior advocates Harish Salve and Mahesh Jethmalani also addressed the event, raising broader questions about judicial accountability, corruption allegations and institutional reforms.
