CJI Chandrachud Acknowledges Scrutiny, Emphasizes Social Media Criticism Faced by Judges

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud issued a stern warning to judges regarding the influence of external pressure and public opinion, particularly on social media. Speaking at the ‘All India District Judges Conference’ in Kachchh, Gujarat, the CJI highlighted the contemporary challenge posed by social media and its impact on judicial proceedings. He recounted his own experience of facing media scrutiny and emphasized the need for judges to remain impartial and unaffected by external pressures.

The CJI also addressed the issue of “adjournment culture,” which he described as a significant concern with far-reaching implications for the efficiency and integrity of the legal system. He emphasized the importance of timely justice delivery, particularly in cases involving sensitive matters such as sexual assault. The CJI urged district judges to re-evaluate the trend of increasing reluctance to entertain matters concerning personal liberty, stressing the importance of upholding the principle that “bail is the rule, jail is the exception.”

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Furthermore, Justice Chandrachud expressed concern over the perception that adjournments have become commonplace in the judicial process, emphasizing the detrimental impact on litigants, particularly vulnerable individuals such as farmers involved in property disputes. He urged judges to be conscious of the consequences of adjournments and to prioritize timely resolution of cases to prevent undue hardship for litigants.

Highlighting the crucial role of the district judiciary as the backbone of the legal system, the CJI commended the dedication and commitment of judges working at the district level as the first responders in the judicial domain.