Key Points
- Chief Justice DY Chandrachud talks about judicial independence.
- Independence doesn’t mean ruling against the government; it means following the law.
- He highlighted the need for judges to be free from outside pressures like social media and interest groups.
- Chandrachud stressed that decisions should be made based on the law, conscience, and justice, not public opinion.
- He clarified that judicial independence is about the ability to make fair decisions, no matter who benefits from them.
Looma News
Outgoing Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, who will step down on November 10, explained that judicial independence doesn’t necessarily mean ruling against the government. He clarified that judges must follow the law, regardless of which party benefits from a decision. Speaking at an event in Delhi, he recalled how his decision to strike down the electoral bonds scheme in 2023, which was called “unconstitutional,” led to him being described as “very independent.” He pointed out that people’s views on judicial independence are often inconsistent—when a ruling favors the government, some critics question the judiciary’s independence.
Chandrachud acknowledged that judicial independence used to mainly mean freedom from the executive branch of government. However, he noted that with the rise of social media and pressure groups, public opinion now influences how court decisions are perceived. He criticized the idea that judges are only considered independent when they rule in favor of certain interest groups. “To be independent, a judge must have the freedom to decide based on conscience, guided by law and the Constitution,” he said. He emphasized the importance of allowing judges to make decisions without bias, no matter the outcome.
The Chief Justice highlighted that the judiciary’s role is to make decisions based on the law and justice. He explained that while some decisions may go against the government, others may align with government interests, but all decisions must be based on the law. He wrapped up by stressing that this message of judicial independence is crucial for a stable and strong democracy.
