Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said it has been almost 23 years since he started on this journey as a judge but never has he encountered anyone telling him how to take decision in a particular case.
CJI Chandrachud was speaking at the India Today Conclave 2023, where he was questioned about the independence of the Indian judiciary and the pressures that loom large while giving judgments.
This conclave was the first ever such appearance by a sitting Chief Justice. Taking forward the conversation, the CJI acknowledged about the various kinds of pressures, but added that after almost completing 23 years as a judge (also being the longest-serving judge in the judiciary) he was clear of the principles he followed.
CJI mentioned that he never talked to a colleague who was presiding over a case and or questioned as to what was going on in that particular case.
CJI said that they all have a cup of coffee every morning, after which the work begins. He said that there are some lines which we draw for ourselves.
The CJI also said that however in high courts, the judges hear appeals against decisions of colleagues because the decision of a single judge of a high court goes to a division bench of two judges.
CJI also said that if it is about pressure you meant pressre from the executive or political arm of the government,then it’s an absolute no!”
CJI DY Chandrachud also said there are certainly times when the pressure is pressures on the conscience, he also recounted times when certain cases that come before them give a rise to a sense of doubt, and searching for the correct solutions.
CJI Chandrachud during his speech also focused on the need to completely modernise the Indian judiciary. He added that Justice to his mind is not just a sovereign function, an essential service we should provide.
He also talked about how they have started using AI and machine learning to translate the Supreme Court judgments in English to local languages and reach out to citizens in a language they follow. He revealed that the Supreme Court had a free judgment text portal and search engine.