Judiciary must welcome scrutiny to earn public trust: CJI

The country's top judicial officer stressed on Monday that the judiciary cannot expect to enjoy public trust while remaining insulated from scrutiny. In remarks that underscore institutional accountability, the Chief Justice said courts must be prepared to face questioning and, where warranted, accept criticism as part of their democratic role.

"A court cannot seek the confidence of the public by placing itself beyond scrutiny," the CJI stated, emphasizing that judicial institutions must remain open to examination from multiple quarters. The statement reflects growing discourse around transparency in the Indian judiciary and the balance between institutional independence and public accountability.

The remarks come amid broader conversations about judicial reform and the relationship between courts and civil society. By acknowledging that criticism serves a constructive purpose, the CJI signalled that the judiciary recognizes its responsibility not only to dispense justice but also to demonstrate its commitment to fairness and openness.

These observations are significant as they suggest the judiciary's willingness to engage with legitimate concerns about its functioning, even as it maintains its constitutional independence. The position underscores that public trust cannot be demanded but must be earned through consistent demonstration of impartiality, transparency, and responsiveness to public concern.