Supreme Court open to public, but not for political meetings: CJI

The Chief Justice of India has reaffirmed that the doors of the Supreme Court remain open to the public while drawing a clear distinction between public access and the use of court premises for political activities. The clarification comes as the apex court continues to manage a heavy docket of cases while maintaining public confidence in the judicial system.

The CJI's statement emphasizes the constitutional role of the judiciary as an independent branch of government, separate from political activities and partisan engagement. This position reflects long-standing judicial precedent that requires courts to maintain institutional neutrality and distance from the political process.

The Supreme Court has previously hosted public interest litigation hearings and proceedings accessible to the general public, demonstrating its transparency in judicial proceedings. However, the use of court premises for political gatherings would compromise the institutional independence that is fundamental to the functioning of the judiciary.

The remarks reinforce guidelines that have governed the use of Supreme Court facilities, ensuring they remain dedicated to their primary constitutional purpose: the administration of justice. The CJI's statement is expected to provide clarity to various stakeholders regarding the appropriate use of court premises and the distinction between public accessibility and partisan political activity.