Supreme Court Justice N Kotiswar Singh said judges are suffering from high blood pressure and health issues due to extreme work pressure and stress. He also highlighted the poor working conditions of district court judges and the pressure they face while handling cases.
Supreme Court Justice N Kotiswar Singh on Saturday spoke openly about the serious health problems faced by judges due to work pressure and stress. He said that judges often suffer from high blood pressure and other medical issues because of the heavy workload and mental pressure that comes with the job.
Justice Singh shared his personal experience and explained how his health changed after he became a judge. He said that when he was a practicing lawyer, he was physically fit and healthy, but his health started changing after he joined the judiciary due to the stressful nature of judicial work.
He said,
“When I was a lawyer I was very fit, I did not have this protruding stomach. Then when i joined judgeship this started. Doctor told me I had high blood pressure. It’s a disease peculiar to judges. All the judges won’t disclose their state of health, but I know the doctor goes to every judge to check their BP. This is just result of sheer work pressure. You will be depressed by this blood pressure,”
he stated.
He was speaking at the first National Conference organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on the theme “Reimagining Judicial Governance: Strengthening Institutions for Democratic Justice”, where he highlighted the working conditions of judges and the challenges faced by them, especially in the district judiciary.
Justice Singh said that the general public is not aware of the actual working conditions of judges in India. He pointed out that many judges, especially in district courts, are working in very difficult and poor conditions, which adds to their stress and pressure. According to him, the situation in the district judiciary needs more attention because judges there handle a very high number of cases with limited resources and infrastructure.
He further explained that district court judges also face pressure regarding the timely completion of trials. If trials are not completed on time, costs can be imposed in advance, which creates additional pressure on judges. However, he noted that in reality, lower courts usually impose very small costs, often between ₹50 to ₹100, because judges in district courts are often hesitant and uncomfortable in taking strict action.
He said,
“Very few people know about the conditions we work in. How many people see how the judges in district judiciary are functioning under pathetic conditions. Costs can be imposed in advance if trial is not concluded in time. Lower courts don’t impose costs of more than ₹50 to 100. They are scared of lawyers in the district judiciary.”
Justice Singh’s remarks have once again highlighted the serious issue of judicial workload, mental stress, and working conditions in the Indian judiciary. His statements bring attention to the need for better infrastructure, better working conditions, and institutional support for judges, especially in the lower judiciary, where the pressure of pending cases, limited facilities, and professional challenges is extremely high.
His comments also show that judicial reforms are not only about laws and technology but also about the health, safety, and working environment of judges who are responsible for delivering justice.
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