Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has recently underscored the importance of maintaining neutrality within the judicial system, cautioning against extremes in institutional behaviour. According to him, courts should neither function as constant critics of the government nor act as its supporters. Instead, the judiciary must remain firmly rooted in its constitutional role.
He emphasized that the judiciary’s primary responsibility is to act as a vigilant guardian of constitutional values. This requires maintaining independence and objectivity while evaluating actions of the executive and legislature. A deviation toward either excessive criticism or blind endorsement, he suggested, risks undermining public trust in the institution.
Justice Bhuyan highlighted that the strength of the judiciary lies in its ability to strike a balance—intervening when necessary, but also exercising restraint. By doing so, courts preserve their credibility and reinforce the principle of separation of powers.
His remarks reflect a broader concern about the evolving perception of judicial roles in a democratic framework. The judiciary, he indicated, must avoid being drawn into political narratives and instead focus on upholding justice, fairness, and constitutional integrity.
Ultimately, his message reinforces a key democratic principle: the judiciary’s legitimacy depends on its independence, measured approach, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
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