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Key Points

Supreme Court Justice Abhay S. Oka delivered a powerful farewell speech highlighting critical systemic challenges in India's highest court. He advocated for reducing Chief Justice-centric operations and increasing judicial diversity through innovative approaches like AI-assisted case management. Justice Oka praised recent Chief Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai for their democratic values and transparency initiatives. His speech underscored the profound personal and constitutional commitment required in judicial service.

Key Points: Justice Oka Calls for Supreme Court Transformation Beyond CJI-Centricity

  • Supreme Court needs structural reform beyond Chief Justice-centric model
  • AI could improve case listing processes
  • Judicial diversity must reflect national representation
  • Judicial work offers unparalleled personal satisfaction
2 min read

SC a Chief Justice-centric court, requires change: Justice Abhay S. Oka

Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S. Oka critiques court's structure, advocates AI-assisted case listing and judicial diversity

"Judgeship is a beautiful concept. Nobody controls you except the Constitution, the laws, and your own conscience. - Justice Abhay S. Oka"

New Delhi, May 23

Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S. Oka, delivering his farewell speech on Friday in an event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, pointed out that the apex court was Chief Justice-centric court, which required a change.

Justice Oka, who is set to demit office on Saturday, said that the diversity of the Supreme Court, having 34 judges from different parts of the country, should be reflected in its functioning.

He lauded ex-CJI Sanjiv Khanna for transparency initiatives, saying that the latter took decisions by taking everyone into confidence.

Justice Oka added that the incumbent CJI BR Gavai has "democratic values embedded in his blood".

In his speech, Justice Oka suggested the listing of the cases in the top court with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He said that there cannot be an improved listing unless the manual intervention is reduced to a minimum.

Justice Oka, who served as a judge for the last 21 years and 9 months, said that he got so much involved with his judicial work that "judgeship became life and life became judgeship".

He said that when one joins the Bench, they may not get the kind of income a lawyer earns, but the work satisfaction cannot be compared with a career as a lawyer.

"Judgeship is a beautiful concept. When you are a lawyer, you may have several constraints, but when you are a judge, nobody controls you except the Constitution, the laws, and your own conscience," Justice Oka said.

In his farewell speech, Justice Oka recalled the sacrifices undergone by his family, including that of his father, who quit civil practice in the Bombay High Court after his son’s elevation to the Bench. He stressed that district courts or trial courts should not be called subordinate courts.

"No court is subordinate. Calling a court subordinate is against our constitutional ethos," he maintained.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Justice Oka makes valid points about decentralizing power in SC. Our judiciary should be more collective in decision-making rather than CJI-centric. AI for case listing is a progressive idea - hope it reduces delays! 🙏
P
Priya M.
His remarks about trial courts not being 'subordinate' show deep wisdom. These courts handle most citizens' cases - they deserve equal respect. More judges should speak like this before retirement!
A
Arjun S.
While I appreciate his views, why do judges wait for farewell speeches to suggest reforms? They should push for changes while in office. The AI suggestion is good but needs proper safeguards against bias.
S
Sunita R.
"Judgeship became life and life became judgeship" - what profound words! We need more dedicated judges like him. His family's sacrifices show how judicial appointments affect entire families. Salute to such service 🇮🇳
V
Vikram J.
The diversity comment is crucial - SC judges come from across India but their decisions sometimes don't reflect regional realities. Hope the collegium system considers this more seriously during appointments.
N
Neha T.
His praise for both current and former CJIs shows judicial decorum. In these polarized times, we need such balanced voices in judiciary. Wishing him happy retirement! 👨‍⚖️

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