In a significant address at the first Supreme Court Advocates On Record Association (SCAORA) Conference in South Goa, Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud emphasized the enduring role of the Supreme Court as a steadfast advocate for the people, clarifying its function distinctly separate from political dynamics. He asserted that the Supreme Court should not be seen as an alternative to the opposition in Parliament, but rather as a judicious arbiter committed to justice.
Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked on the perception issues facing the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, which is often seen through the lens of its decisions favoring one side or another. “I think, particularly in today’s times, there is this great divide between everybody who thinks that the Supreme Court is a wonderful institution when you decide in their favor, and it is an institution which is denigrated when you decide against them,” he explained. This, he noted, is a dangerous outlook as it undermines the court’s fundamental purpose of delivering justice impartially, regardless of public opinion on individual rulings.
Highlighting the court’s commitment to its foundational role, the CJI pointed out that the apex court has consistently evolved to maintain and expand access to justice over its 75-year history. This evolution has included significant technological advancements such as the e-filing of cases, digitization of records, conversion of constitutional bench arguments from speech-to-text, and notably, the live-streaming of court proceedings.
Live-streaming, in particular, has been transformative, making the court’s activities visible and comprehensible to millions, thus demystifying the processes and decisions taken at the highest judicial levels. “It has taken the work of the Supreme Court of India to home and the heart of people,” Chandrachud said. He pointed out that live-streaming allows the public to see that the Supreme Court deals extensively with a variety of cases, including those affecting the less privileged and not just the affluent.
The Chief Justice also addressed the criticism the court faces when outcomes do not align with public expectations or desires. He stressed that the judges are guided by the principles of legal doctrine and the specifics of each case, not by the potential popularity of their decisions. “We as a legal profession must have a robust common sense to understand that judges are entitled and must decide on a case-by-case basis, depending on how the legal doctrine has to be applied to the facts in that particular situation,” he explained.
