Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, set to retire on November 10, stated that judicial independence doesn’t imply always ruling against the government. He noted that some pressure groups only consider the judiciary independent when judges rule in their favor, underscoring that true independence transcends aligning with particular interests.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized that judicial independence doesn’t mean always ruling against the government. Speaking at an event, he highlighted how “pressure groups” are increasingly using electronic media to influence court decisions in their favor.
He said,
“Traditionally, judicial independence was defined as independence from the executive. Independence of the judiciary even now means independence from the government. But that is not the only thing in terms of judicial independence,”
Chandrachud noted
“Our society has changed. Particularly with the advent of social media, you see interest groups, pressure groups, and groups which are trying to use electronic media to put pressure on the courts to get favorable decisions.”
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, expressed concerns about pressure groups that only regard the judiciary as independent if decisions align with their interests.
He remarked,
“‘If you do not decide in my favor, you are not independent’ that’s what I object to,”
“To be independent, a judge must have the freedom to decide based on their conscience, of course guided by the law and the Constitution.”
Reflecting on past rulings, he added,
“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.”
Chandrachud highlighted the need for judges to have the freedom to rule impartially.
Chandrachud’s comments offer a broader perspective on the judiciary’s role, where true independence lies not in opposing any particular entity but in maintaining neutrality, following the law, and protecting the Constitution.
In today’s media-driven society, he warned, the judiciary must resist external pressures that seek to manipulate outcomes. Judicial independence, as he explained, is not about alignment with any interest group but rather about upholding justice and the rule of law, regardless of who stands to benefit from the verdict.