Maintaining dignity of constitutional institutions is everyone's responsibility: CJI Surya Kant on courtroom misconduct
New Delhi, July 13
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Monday said preserving the dignity and sanctity of constitutional institutions is a collective responsibility, as he responded publicly for the first time to the recent courtroom incident in which a young lawyer allegedly used derogatory language against him and threw documents inside the courtroom.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the All India Senior Advocates Association (AISAA), the Chief Justice struck a conciliatory note while emphasising the need to uphold respect for constitutional institutions.
"Bacche aise kai baar kar dete hain. Lekin main yeh kehna chahta hoon ki hamein constitutional institutions ki maryada aur sammaan banaye rakhna chahiye. Yeh hum sabka daayitva hai aur sabko isse nibhana hai," Justice Surya Kant said.
The Chief Justice also announced that the Supreme Court has constituted four special benches to take up some of its oldest pending civil and criminal cases in an effort to reduce long-standing pendency.
"In the new roster that I have prepared, not three but four benches have been constituted. Two benches will hear civil cases, and two will hear criminal cases. These four benches have been constituted to dispose of old cases," he said.
Justice Surya Kant further explained that appointments to the Supreme Court are made after a comprehensive evaluation by the Collegium, which considers judicial merit, integrity, experience and several other relevant factors. He added that the Collegium also keeps in view regional representation and diversity among High Courts so that the apex court reflects the constitutional ethos and diversity of the country.
The Chief Justice was speaking at a ceremony organised to felicitate newly elevated Supreme Court judges Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Justice Arun Palli and Justice V. Mohana. Recently retired Supreme Court judges Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Pankaj Mithal were also honoured.
Welcoming the gathering, Senior Advocate Adish C Aggarwala, Secretary General of the All India Senior Advocates Association and former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, described Justice Surya Kant's rise from the district courts at Hisar to the office of the Chief Justice of India as an inspiring journey marked by merit, discipline and perseverance.
He said the Chief Justice's encouragement to young lawyers had fostered confidence and strengthened the relationship between the Bench and the Bar.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Bacche aise kai baar kar dete hain" - this line shows the Chief Justice's fatherly approach. But we need to ask: are we raising a generation of lawyers who think throwing tantrums in court is acceptable? The Bar Council must take action beyond mere apologies. Respect for the institution starts with respect for the person occupying the chair.
The CJI's emphasis on maintaining the dignity of constitutional institutions is timely. But let's be honest - the incident also reflects a deeper problem of stress and pressure in the legal profession. Young lawyers are often overworked and underpaid. That's not an excuse for misconduct, but it is a context we shouldn't ignore. We need systemic reforms, not just sermons.
I appreciate the CJI setting up four special benches to clear old cases. Thats real action addressing a genuine grievance of litigants. The pendency in SC is a national shame. But let's also talk about the collegium system - appointments based on merit and regional diversity is welcome, but we need more transparency. Too many good judges remain waiting.
As a law student, this incident is both shocking and educational. The CJI's response is a masterclass in leadership - calm, firm, and constructive. But what happens to that lawyer? If there are no consequences, it sets a dangerous precedent. The bench-bar relationship is sacred; both sides must uphold it. Hope the Bar Council takes appropriate action behind closed doors.
CJI Surya Kant's journey from Hisar district courts to the top is genuinely inspiring. But let's not lose sight of the real issue
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