National

“Judicial Independence Isn’t Just Delivering Anti-Government Verdicts”: CJI DY Chandrachud

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has recently emphasized that judicial independence doesn’t equate to consistently ruling against the government.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi organized by the Indian Express group, he noted that pressure groups are increasingly attempting to influence courts by leveraging electronic media for favorable outcomes.

CJI Chandrachud remarked that while judicial independence has traditionally meant autonomy from the executive branch, it now encompasses broader societal influences. He highlighted the changing landscape with the rise of social media, which has given rise to various interest groups that seek to pressure the judiciary for favorable decisions.

He pointed out a troubling trend where these groups define judicial independence based solely on whether judges rule in their favor. “If you do not decide in my favor, you are not independent,” he stated, expressing his concerns about this narrow interpretation.

For a judge to truly be independent, he stressed, they must have the freedom to make decisions based on their conscience, guided by law and the Constitution.

CJI Chandrachud shared his own experiences, noting that he was considered independent when he ruled against the government in matters such as the electoral bonds case.

He explained, “When you decide electoral bonds, then you are very independent, but if a verdict goes in favor of the government, then you are not independent… That is not my definition of independence.”

He concluded by asserting that judges must be allowed the flexibility to make decisions without undue influence, underscoring the importance of genuine independence in the judiciary.

As his tenure comes to an end on November 10, these reflections serve as a significant reminder of the challenges faced by the judicial system in maintaining its integrity amidst external pressures.

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

Meera Verma

Recent Posts

Supreme Court Says “Marriage Is Relationship Built On Mutual Trust, Companionship”

The Supreme Court has upheld a decision by the Madras High Court granting a divorce…

1 day ago

Delhi HC Grants Anticipatory Bail To Lawyer In Brother’s Criminal Case

The Delhi High Court has granted transit anticipatory bail to a lawyer whose brother is…

2 days ago

Justice Madan B Lokur Appointed As Chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council

Former Supreme Court Justice Madan B Lokur has been recently named the chairperson of the…

2 days ago

Karnataka High Court Directs NLSIU To Implement 0.5% Reservation For Transgender Persons

The Karnataka High Court has recently directed the National Law School of India University (NLSIU)…

2 days ago

Allahabad HC Directs UP Vigilance To Investigate Himalayan Cooperative Housing Land Issue

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Department to investigate the Himalayan…

2 days ago

Allahabad HC Grants Stay On Mohammed Zubair’s Arrest In Religious Enmity Case

The Allahabad High Court on Friday issued an order staying the arrest of Mohammed Zubair,…

2 days ago