Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court must stay clear of politics, CJI tells legal fraternity
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has cautioned the legal profession against involving the apex court in political matters, even as protests continue over alleged law enforcement actions in Delhi. The CJI emphasised the need to maintain unimpeded functioning of the court and smooth movement of stakeholders.
LSN India ·
New Delhi — Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday cautioned lawyers and the legal fraternity against dragging the Supreme Court into political controversies, amid ongoing demonstrations against an alleged crackdown on protesters in the capital.
Addressing the bar, the CJI stressed that the court's independence and impartiality must be preserved to serve the interests of justice. He urged members of the legal profession to ensure that such movements do not compromise the institution's core functioning or obstruct the day-to-day operations essential to the administration of justice.
The remarks came as the Supreme Court continues to function amid broader civil unrest. Justice Kant called for maintaining an environment conducive to the smooth movement of lawyers, court staff, and litigants within court premises, stating that such normalcy is vital for the justice delivery system to operate effectively.
The CJI's intervention reflects concerns within the judiciary over institutional independence during periods of heightened public protest. His statement underscores the Supreme Court's position as a neutral arbiter, separate from political or protest-related matters, while acknowledging the legal fraternity's right to legitimate concerns.