New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has once again reiterated and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the judiciary of our country to independence. He called the judiciary the cornerstone of constitutional governance and public trust.
He delivered a sharp message and asserted that judicial legitimacy must not be assumed but it should always be earned by dint of accountability, transparency, and prompt action. He made the remarks while speaking at the UK Supreme Court Roundtable on “Maintaining Judicial Legitimacy and Public Confidence” on June 3.
He said, “Judicial independence is non-negotiable”, and defended the collegium system through which judges are appointed. While he acknowledged that the system has faced criticism, he also highlighted the fact that any kind of alternative process should not be implemented at the expense of the independence of the judiciary.
Interestingly, CJI Gavai has made these remarks amid a turbulent time for the judiciary in our country with the recent allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma has put the pillar of democracy under intense scrutiny. Recently, a panel appointed by the Supreme Court uncovered large amounts of burnt cash at Varma’s him in Delhi, which has created immense controversy.
CJI Gavai touched upon the issue of misconduct in the judiciary and said, “No system, no matter how strong, is immune to professional misconduct. When such instances surface, the response must be swift, decisive, and transparent to restore public faith.” While he acknowledged that judicial controversies have shaken people’s trust in the system, he also said that the apex court has been consistent in acting to address such misconduct when brought to light.
He mentioned several initiatives taken to promote transparency in judiciary, and said, “Judges are public functionaries and must remain accountable to the people. In today’s digital age, where information flows rapidly, the judiciary must be accessible, intelligible, and answerable, without compromising its autonomy.”
