Justice Nagarathna believes that the judiciary becomes truly representative when more women are on the bench. She elaborates that this inclusivity aligns with the principles of justice and the Constitution, ensuring diverse perspectives in adjudication. Justice BV Nagarathna, soon to make history as the first woman Chief Justice of India (CJI), shared her thoughts on her journey, her father’s inspiring legacy, and the evolving judicial system in India.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: Justice BV Nagarathna, soon to make history as the first woman Chief Justice of India (CJI), shared her thoughts on her journey, her father’s inspiring legacy, and the evolving judicial system in India.
In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times News, she reflected on her judicial philosophy, the increasing role of women in the judiciary, and the challenges faced by the justice system today.
Justice and Constitution align when more women are on the bench: Justice BV Nagarathna
Justice Nagarathna believes that the judiciary becomes truly representative when more women are on the bench.
She elaborates that this inclusivity aligns with the principles of justice and the Constitution, ensuring diverse perspectives in adjudication.
A Historic Milestone and Her Father’s Vision on Women Leadership
On being the first woman CJI, she views it not just as a milestone but as a journey requiring commitment and perseverance.
“As far as I am concerned, it is important for me to focus on how I reach that milestone rather than the milestone itself because one has to work for everything, and nothing comes free. How I am perceived in these years as a judge—the kind of work I do, the dedication I exhibit—is more important to me than simply attaining that position, however short it may be.”
Justice Nagarathna fondly remembers her father, Justice ES Venkataramiah, whose legacy guides her every step.
“My father’s life is a lesson for me, even though he passed away in 1997. I think of him every day—both my parents. In moments of doubt, I always ask myself what my father would have done in the situation, and that becomes an important consideration for me.”
Legacy of a Father-Daughter Duo
Justice Nagarathna carries forward a unique legacy as part of one of only two father-child duos to reach the position of Chief Justice of India. She reflects on this rare privilege:
“For me, it’s a privilege to have been born to Justice Venkataramiah, who was already a senior lawyer when I was born. I am very humbled by the legacy. This legacy keeps me going because I must uphold the standards he set. It’s all positive—nothing negative about it.”
Her Father’s Role in Promoting Women in Judiciary
Justice Venkataramiah’s progressive vision continues to resonate today. During his tenure as CJI in 1989, he appointed Justice Fathima Beevi as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court.
“There is no area of concern, and it is a welcome change. My father appointed the first woman judge, justice Fathima Beevi, to the Supreme Court during his tenure as the CJI in 1989. Since then, women judges have proved themselves exceptionally well. There can be no doubt about women in the judiciary.”
She further emphasizes:
“I always say that women in the judiciary are not just auxiliary; they are central. Justice and adjudication truly align with the Constitution when more women are on the bench because they bring fresh perspectives.”
Judicial Philosophy: Continuity and Change
Justice Nagarathna acknowledges the evolution of judicial philosophy while maintaining its foundation in constitutional values.
“I think there has been a change with continuity. My father was deeply entrenched in the values of the Preamble and the Constitution. He believed in using the Constitution to render justice to the citizens and innovating its provisions for the betterment of society. He saw the Constitution as a living tree, a dynamic, organic entity that must adapt to changing times. While we cannot stray from our foundations, there must always be an interpretation that aligns with the evolving needs of society.”
Lessons from Justice Venkataramiah’s Work Ethic
Reflecting on her father’s immense contribution—delivering over 700 judgments—Justice Nagarathna draws inspiration from his commitment and work ethic.
“Pendency is a relative subject because the moment you file a case today, it becomes pending tomorrow. With a trebling population, litigation has naturally increased, leading to a flooded docket. However, this reflects the public’s faith in the judiciary. The challenge lies in navigating pendency with effective strategies to reduce it. Every Chief Justice, whether of a High Court or the Supreme Court, has sought to address this. Pendency should not be seen negatively; it represents trust in the system.”
Judicial Challenges: Then and Now
Having observed the judiciary from multiple roles—as a daughter, advocate, and judge—Justice Nagarathna compares the evolving challenges across generations.
“Challenges have always existed, but they evolve with each decade. The nature of litigation has changed; we no longer see the same kinds of cases we had in the 50s, 80s, or 90s. Today, Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a significant challenge. While PIL was initially a boon for Indian citizens, it has also been misused. Courts now carefully discern which cases to entertain.”
She emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach:
“It is crucial to focus on challenges and adopt a balanced approach, considering both the system’s perspective and that of justice-seekers outside it.”
A Vision for the Judiciary’s Future
Justice BV Nagarathna’s thoughts reflect her commitment to upholding the Constitution, her belief in inclusivity, and her focus on reforming systemic challenges.
With her upcoming historic tenure as the first woman Chief Justice of India, she continues to inspire and break barriers, just as her father’s legacy did years ago.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Justice BV Nagarathna
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
