Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna emphasized the challenges facing the judiciary during the Supreme Court’s 75th anniversary, including case backlogs, high litigation costs, and the prevalence of falsehood. He described the Court as a dynamic institution reflecting India’s democratic journey, urging a focus on transparency and responsiveness to ensure justice serves effectively.
New Delhi: “Justice cannot thrive when falsehood is rampant,” said Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday while addressing the challenges faced by the Indian judiciary. His remarks came during a full court assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court of India’s first sitting.
CJI Khanna outlined three major challenges confronting the judiciary today:
- The burden of arrears that delays justice delivery.
- The rising costs of litigation, which hinder true accessibility to justice.
- The practice of falsehood, which fundamentally undermines the justice system.
“While the Court’s journey reflects remarkable evolution in rights and reach, these challenges mark the next frontier in our pursuit for justice,”
ALSO READ: Constitution Day Event | CJI Sanjiv Khanna: “The Better The Bar, The Better The Judges”
CJI Khanna stated.
Drawing an analogy, CJI Khanna described the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence over the decades as a reflection of India’s growth and challenges.
“Like rings in a mature tree that reflect its journey through different seasons, these judgments reflect not just legal evolution, but our country’s very pulse,”
he noted. He emphasized that the Court is not an “unmoving structure carved from sandstone” but a “living, breathing institution” rooted in constitutional values and responsive to the conscience of democracy.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani hailed India’s successful adherence to constitutional rule for 75 years as a moment of pride.
“Constitutional rule for 75 years without any serious breakdown is a thing to celebrate,”
he remarked.
Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal highlighted the judiciary’s consistent efforts to preserve India’s constitutional vision.
“Courts have always been responsive to the political environment and have sought to best preserve the constitutional vision of our founders despite the continuous stresses and strains in our chaotic democracy,”
Sibal stated.
He also stressed the need to address judicial backlogs and promote transparency.
“Power of argument must prevail over the argument of power. Judiciary must eschew excessive secrecy and embrace being more open. Courage is contagious, and so is cowardice,”
he said, adding that courts have consistently upheld the ideals of democracy and fundamental rights.
The 75th anniversary served as a reminder of the Supreme Court’s journey as an institution deeply intertwined with India’s democratic values and its evolving challenges. The event also underscored the importance of addressing current issues to ensure justice continues to serve the nation effectively.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES