Reforms Needed in Judicial Process to Ensure Timely Justice: CJI

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant has called for introspection on ways to make the judicial process more responsive, amid a growing number of litigants approaching the Supreme Court for urgent hearings in matters pending before High Courts. Speaking at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Kerala High Court on Sunday, he suggested exploring better ways to identify urgent cases and make the listing process more transparent. He also emphasised the role technology could play in identifying cases where delays in hearings may cause irreversible harm. Justice Surya Kant said the Supreme Court has always respected the institutional independence of High Courts, including their authority over roster arrangements. However, he stressed that access to timely justice should not depend on a litigant's financial capacity or ability to travel to the national capital to approach the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted the importance of a scientific outlook in strengthening democracy and upholding the rule of law. Addressing the 12th convocation of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya in Shillong, he said scientific thinking forms the foundation of a system governed by the rule of law. He observed that fear, ignorance and superstition can lead to authoritarianism, underlining the need for a rational and scientific approach in a democratic society.