CJI Chandrachud Calls For Redefining Judges: From Deities to Servants of Justice

Honourable Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, delivered insightful guidance to judges during his address at the National Judicial Academy in Kolkata.

Key Insights

During the inaugural session of the two-day East Zone II Regional Conference, organized collaboratively by the National Judicial Academy, Calcutta High Court, and West Bengal Judicial Academy, Justice DY Chandrachud imparted his wisdom to attendees.

Justice Chandrachud expressed his discontentment with the usage of words like Honour,’ ‘Lordship,’ or ‘Ladyship.’ He further said that many view the court as a temple of justice, implying judges could be seen as deities. He said that he is rather cautious of this perception, and rather than judges being seen as akin to deities, he prefers to redefine the role of the judge as a servant of the people. He said that by seeing ourselves as servants, we embrace concepts like compassion and empathy in our judgments, without being judgmental of others.

The Chief Justice of India made these remarks shortly after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was also present at the event, held that the courts are alike places of worship. He further stressed the significance of constitutional morality, highlighting values such as the pursuit of diversity, inclusion, and tolerance. CJI Chandrachud emphasized that even when sentencing someone in a criminal case, judges do so with compassion, mindful that they are dealing with a fellow human being. He also emphasized that these principles of constitutional morality are crucial not only for the judges of the Supreme Court or the High Court but also for the district judiciary. The district judiciary plays a fundamental role, as it is the first point of engagement for common citizens.

Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, Other Courts, International