CJI Chandrachud: No Political Influence in Judicial-Executive Meetings

In a recent public address at a lecture series organized by a Marathi daily newspaper at the University of Mumbai, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud delved into the relationship between the judiciary and the executive, judicial administration, and criticisms surrounding judicial vacations. His speech was marked by a focus on the independence of the judiciary, the Collegium system, and the administrative responsibilities of the Chief Justice. Notably, CJI Chandrachud also addressed the controversy sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to his residence for the Ganpati Puja, emphasizing the clear distinction between administrative interactions and judicial work.

Key Statements by the CJI

Judicial-Executive Interactions

• CJI Chandrachud emphasized that interactions between the heads of government (whether at the State or Centrallevel) and the Chief Justices of the High Courts or the Supreme Court adhere to strict norms of political maturity.
• “We do meet but that doesn’t mean there is some deal cracked. We must maintain dialogue with the Chief Ministerfor administrative reasons like budgets, which are essential for the judiciary’s functioning—not for judges personally,” the CJI stated.
• He clarified that these meetings do not impact judicial decisions, as Chief Ministers do not discuss pending cases. “Never in my experience has a Chief Minister spoken about a pending case,” he added.

Recent Controversy Over PM’s Visit

• The CJI addressed the recent controversy over Prime Minister Modi’s visit to his residence, clarifying that such meetings are primarily administrative or ceremonial.
• He stressed that the administrative relationship between the Supreme Court and the government is separate from the judicial work of the Court.
• “It is a tradition for the Chief Minister or the Chief Justice to meet each other during festivals or times of bereavement, and it has no bearing on judicial work,” CJI Chandrachud explained.

The Nature of Judges’ Work and Vacations

• In response to criticism regarding judicial vacations, CJI Chandrachud highlighted the demanding nature of judges’ responsibilities.
• He noted, “Judges start their day early; I begin my day at 3:30 AM, engage in personal activities, and start work by 6:00 AM.”
• He pointed out that the Supreme Court of India handles about 50,000 cases annually, compared to 181 casesdecided by the US Supreme Court.
• The CJI added, “On Mondays alone, the Indian Supreme Court handles 181 cases.”
• “Vacations are not leisurely breaks but crucial times for dictating judgments, with the seven-week vacation in Mayoften involving six weeks of work,” he clarified.

Access to Justice

• The CJI reiterated that the Indian Supreme Court is a “people’s court”, ensuring that all litigants, including those with seemingly minor cases like bail matters or cheating cases, have access to justice.
• “Our model is based on access to justice, and every citizen must be ensured a fair hearing,” he asserted.

On the Collegium System

• Addressing the Collegium system, the CJI explained that it is a consultative process between the judiciary and the executive to ensure judgeship appointments are merit-based.
• “In this process of dialogue, a consensus often emerges, although disagreements are also part of the system, reflecting its strength,” he said.
• CJI Chandrachud further mentioned that no proposal is pending from his end and that recommendations are forwarded to the government promptly.

Trust in Judicial Institutions

• The CJI emphasized the enduring strength of India’s judicial institutions, stating, “The fact that these institutions have stood the test of time over the last 75 years is a testament to their capability for improvement and development.”
• He urged citizens to have faith in the democratic system, which aids in the judiciary’s growth, adding that no institution is without flaws, but efforts towards betterment should not lead to assumptions of fundamental shortcomings.