On his last day, CJI Sanjiv Khanna said the legal profession is facing a “truth deficit” and urged both Bar and Bench to uphold public trust. He stressed that a judge’s role is “neither to dominate the courtroom nor to surrender.”
New Delhi: Today, On May 13, On his last day in office as the Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna expressed deep concern about the growing “truth deficit” in the legal profession.
While speaking during a ceremonial bench at the Supreme Court of India and later at a farewell function, Justice Khanna shared his final thoughts on the state of the legal system and the responsibilities that lie with both the Bar and the Bench.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Khanna said that the legal community must work together to win the trust of the public.
He underlined that honesty and truth should always be at the heart of legal practice.
His remark about the “truth deficit” reflected his concern that in recent times, truth and integrity may not always be given the priority they deserve within the legal field.
In a strong message aimed at both lawyers and judges, he stated:
“The job of the judge is neither to dominate the courtroom nor to surrender.”
This quote signifies that judges should maintain a balanced and fair approach.
They should not impose their authority unnecessarily, nor should they give in under pressure. Justice Khanna’s words highlight that a judge’s role is to uphold justice with impartiality and firmness.
Later, in an informal conversation with the media, Justice Khanna also spoke about his future after retirement.
He made it clear that he would not be accepting any government positions or official posts.
His exact words were:
“Though he wasn’t going to accept any post-retirement official assignments, he would continue his innings in the legal profession.”
This statement clearly shows that Justice Khanna plans to stay connected with the legal community, possibly through academic, advisory, or independent legal work.
It also sends a message of independence and integrity, as he has chosen not to take up any official role that could be seen as a reward or extension of judicial service.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s farewell has drawn attention across the legal community, with many praising his humility, commitment to justice, and honesty in acknowledging the challenges facing the legal system today.
His comments serve as a reminder of the important values that legal professionals must uphold to maintain public faith in the judiciary.
Also Read: CJI Sanjiv Khanna: “Won’t Be Hearing Cases That Require Reserving Verdicts”
In summary, Justice Khanna’s last day as CJI was marked by thoughtful reflections and a firm stand on ethics, balance in judicial conduct, and professional integrity.
His message urging both the Bar and the Bench to work towards reducing the “truth deficit” stands as a powerful reminder of the core values that form the foundation of the Indian legal system.
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