While the elected branch of government aims to be responsive to the will of the people, the Chief Justice of India emphasized the vital importance of judges adhering to Constitutional principles. He pointed out that courts serve as a forum for meaningful engagement, providing a platform where individuals can exchange diverse views and ideas, ultimately fostering a synthesis of change within society.
In response to a question about the legislature’s recent trend of passing laws that challenge the rulings of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice elaborated on the boundaries of permissible and impermissible actions by the legislature. He stressed the significance of the cases the judiciary adjudicates. However, he also highlighted that courts have evolved into essential arenas for societal dialogue, not solely for their legal verdicts but also for the space they create to facilitate discussions among various segments of society. Additionally, he mentioned the court’s administrative functions as the third significant aspect.
The Chief Justice further disclosed that the Supreme Court is actively transcribing court proceedings and has made improvements to the Supreme Court website to enhance accessibility for the visually impaired. The integration of technology into the judicial system, he noted, is contributing to democratizing access to justice. The primary objective behind these efforts is to promote transparency and accountability within the court’s operations.
