It is gracious of the Chief Justice of India to have been so forthcoming in his praise of the Prime Minister. It is not often that judges are so inclined to state their opinions, even to journalists and court reporters, although they do come forth with pithy homilies on several subjects.
The CJI’s glowing references to the Prime Minister at a time when there could have been some friction over the disbanding of the collegium system, whereby judges enjoyed a monopoly in choosing judges to serve on the bench, is particularly welcome as it makes for greater harmony.
It stands to reason that the judiciary, however well qualified to pass judgment on a variety of issues ranging from weighty interpretations of the Constitution to a facetious writ to restrain the Indian cricket team from playing in Australia in the wake of the death of a batsman, cannot be the sole authority when it comes to appointing judges where they could, in theory, appoint their own progeny. Politicians may be adept at padding up their own kind to create dynasties in governance, but their kin must stand in an election.
As a CJI with a long tenure in comparison to many of his immediate predecessors, Chief Justice of India Justice Dattu has an opportunity to set right the many anomalies in the justice delivery system, particularly with regard to delayed delivery of justice, the long pendency of cases and the wide gaps in judicial infrastructure and vacancies in subordinate courts. The CJI must act towards speedier rendering of justice besides maintaining its highest standards.
