A significant highlight of the event was the introduction of three key information and technology initiatives, designed to advance the judicial system. Marking the commencement of the Supreme Court’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and the Supreme Court’s new bilingual website. In his speech, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to harnessing technology to improve judicial infrastructure and guarantee justice for everyone.
On Sunday (28 January), at the inauguration of the Supreme Court’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud called for a comprehensive reevaluation and reform of the Indian judiciary. The event marked the beginning of a year-long celebration commemorating the Supreme Court’s establishment in 1950, replacing the Federal Court of India and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Chief Justice Chandrachud’s speech was a clarion call to address several critical issues facing the judiciary. He stated,
“In the near future, we must address structural issues affecting the judiciary such as the pendency of cases, our archaic procedures, and the culture of adjournments.”
This statement set the tone for his address, which focused on four key areas of reform:
Transition from Adjournment Culture to Professionalism: CJI Chandrachud emphasized the need to move away from the prevalent ‘adjournment culture’ to a ‘culture of professionalism’ at Supreme Court’s Diamond Jubilee. He argued that this shift is essential for the effective and timely administration of justice.
Regulating the Length of Oral Arguments: He underscored the importance of managing the duration of oral arguments to prevent delays in judicial outcomes. He warned against the capture of judicial institutions by the powerful due to prolonged arguments.
Promoting Inclusivity in the Legal Profession: The Chief Justice stressed the need for inclusivity, particularly for first-generation lawyers from diverse backgrounds. He highlighted the underrepresentation of scheduled castes and tribes, both at the bar and on the bench. Referring to recent strides in gender diversity, he noted,
“Before 2024, only 12 women were designated as senior advocates in the history of the Supreme Court over the last 74 years. Last week, the Supreme Court designated 11 women in one selection. Our legitimacy will endure from the inclusion of diverse sections of the population in our system. Therefore, we need to make more effort to bring different sections of society into the legal profession.”
Rethinking Long Court Vacations: Chief Justice Chandrachud also initiated a dialogue on the tradition of extended court vacations. He proposed exploring alternatives such as flexi-time for lawyers and judges.
In his concluding remarks, CJI Chandrachud at the Supreme Court’s Diamond Jubilee emphasized the importance of reflecting on the journey of the judiciary and renewing the commitment to uphold the Constitution. He stated,
“The seventy-fifth year provides an opportunity to meet these challenges and step into the future with an honest assessment of our progress. We must reflect on the journey we have traversed and renew our pledge to uphold the Constitution within and beyond our courtrooms.”
The event also marked the launch of three significant initiatives aimed at modernizing the judicial system: the Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and the new bilingual website of the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Modi, who inaugurated these initiatives, reiterated the government’s commitment to using technology to enhance the judicial infrastructure and ensure justice for all.
The inauguration ceremony of Supreme Court’s Diamond Jubilee, attended by dignitaries including Chief Justices of High Courts, former Supreme Court judges, Attorney-General Venkataramani, and Supreme Court Bar Association President Adish C Aggarwala, was followed by a ceremonial bench session.
This event signifies a pivotal moment in the Indian judiciary, highlighting the need for introspection and reform to ensure a more efficient, inclusive, and effective justice system. The Chief Justice’s address reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the judiciary and a strong commitment to addressing them through meaningful dialogue and action.
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