New Delhi, July 29, 2025 — In a notable development before the Supreme Court, Senior Advocate S. Sirajudeen raised a serious concern regarding the participation of judges in social gatherings organized by members of the legal fraternity. He emphasized that such engagements, including birthday celebrations and informal events, risk sending a misleading impression to the general public about the independence of the judiciary.
The observation came during a hearing on matters related to the functioning and regulation of Bar Associations across the country. Advocate Sirajudeen argued that judges attending multiple events hosted by advocates every week creates unnecessary proximity and risks compromising the dignity expected of the bench.
It is to be noted here that the ethical framework guiding judicial conduct i.e the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1999), which expressly discourages judges from engaging in social interactions that could undermine public confidence in judicial impartiality. Further the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, widely accepted as an international benchmark for upholding judicial integrity.
Responding to these concerns, Justice Surya Kant, who was heading the Bench, echoed some of the apprehensions raised. He acknowledged that the mushrooming of unregulated bar associations and the lack of coherent oversight mechanisms have contributed to issues such as arbitrary elections and questionable affiliations between the Bench and the Bar.
Bar Council of India Vice-Chairman S. Prabhakaran, also present during the proceedings, pointed out that bar associations have multiplied significantly, often lacking uniform regulatory standards. He proposed stricter guidelines for recognition, including requirements for minimum membership strength and annual inspections to ensure compliance with norms.
The Bench agreed that some level of scrutiny and reform is required to maintain the professional character of bar associations while ensuring judges remain above reproach.
