June 29th 2024.
In a speech at the Regional Conference of the National Judicial Academy, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud shared his belief that judges are not masters, but rather servants of the Constitution. He emphasized the importance of empathy among judges and urged them to carry out their duties without being judgmental.
Addressing the conference at Kolkata's Town Hall, the CJI expressed that he is hesitant to think of the judiciary as a "temple of justice." He believes that this perception leads to the idea of judges being seen as deities, which he finds problematic. Instead, he wants to redefine the role of judges as "servers of the people," bringing in the values of compassion and empathy while making judgments.
The CJI acknowledged that there are many obstacles in the judicial system, but with the help of technology, these barriers have been minimized. He pointed out that technology has made it possible to translate hundreds of regional languages into English, making it more accessible for the commoners. In fact, over 51,000 judgments have already been translated for the benefit of litigants, including those in Bengali and Odia.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the judiciary has been able to decentralize, thanks to technology. The CJI also expressed concern over the slow pace of hearing bail applications, stating that this is not a model for the judicial system. He suggested that high courts should monitor the implementation of their bail orders, as bureaucratic systems can delay the disposal of the order.
The CJI also highlighted the importance of upholding constitutional obligations and moral values. He believes that even when sentencing someone in a criminal case, judges should do so with a sense of compassion, as they are ultimately dealing with a human being.
In conclusion, Justice Chandrachud emphasized that constitutional morality is key, not just for judges at the Supreme Court or High Court level, but also for those at the district judiciary level. He believes that the engagement of the common citizen starts with the district judiciary, making it crucial for judges to uphold the values of empathy and compassion in their work.
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