NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai recently underscored that any hint of corruption or unethical conduct among judges damages citizens’ confidence in the legal system.
Addressing a roundtable at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom on “Maintaining Judicial Legitimacy and Public Confidence,” he remarked that no institution, however robust, is immune to wrongdoing.
When such incidents surface, he stressed, the judiciary must act swiftly and transparently to uphold its integrity. “Instances of corruption and misconduct inevitably cast a shadow over the judiciary, undermining the faith people place in its fairness,” CJI Gavai observed.
“Prompt and decisive measures are essential to rebuild that trust.” His comments arrive in the wake of allegations against Allahabad High Court’s Justice Yashwant Varma, where a significant sum of cash was discovered at his official residence in Delhi.
The CJI’s message was clear: conformity to ethical standards is non-negotiable, and any breach must be addressed without delay. CJI Gavai highlighted that a democratic judiciary must not only do justice but also be perceived as a body that holds power to account.
He argued that “judicial legitimacy” and “public confidence” are intertwined— without community trust, the courts lose moral authority. In India, when allegations arise, the Supreme Court has consistently deployed appropriate inquiries or disciplinary actions to investigate and rectify misconduct.
To bolster openness, CJI Gavai pointed to two significant initiatives by India’s highest court: Supreme Court judges now publicly disclose their assets. By making these details accessible, the judiciary demonstrates its willingness to be scrutinized similarly to other public servants.
“Judges, as public functionaries, must be accountable. Publishing asset statements sets an example of honest leadership,” CJI Gavai stated. In an effort to demystify court processes, livestreaming of Constitution Bench hearings began recently.
However, the CJI cautioned that while this enhances visibility, it must be managed carefully to prevent isolated comments from being misrepresented. “Live video is a powerful tool, yet it can be misused— one innocuous remark taken out of context can create misinformation,” he warned.
Another key topic CJI Gavai addressed was the practice of judges accepting government positions immediately after retirement or resigning mid-tenure to pursue political office.