Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna on Saturday said that judges must develop courage and independence in discharging their duties, cautioning them against being influenced by external factors while deciding on cases. She also underscored that for most citizens, the district judiciary remains the primary interface with the justice delivery system.
Addressing the 22nd Biennial State-Level Conference of Judicial Officers, organised by the Karnataka State Judicial Officers Association (KSJOA) in Bengaluru, she said that enhanced salaries and allowances for the district judiciary, pursuant to the acceptance of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission’s recommendations, leave no justification for ethical compromise within the system.
She stressed that judicial independence demanded insulation not only from external pressures but also from influence within the institution, including from fellow judges. Any tainted decision eroded public confidence and damaged the credibility of the judiciary, she noted, adding that judges who deviate from lawful sources of income or succumb to inducements must be removed to safeguard institutional integrity.
Highlighting the role of personal discipline in adjudication, the Apex Court judge observed that judicial decision-making must remain free from any form of coordination or interference. The legitimacy of the justice delivery system rests on the courage and independence of those who occupy the Bench.
Justice Nagarathna also raised concerns over the increasing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal research, pointing to instances where inaccurate or entirely fabricated case law had been cited before courts. She flagged the risks posed by unverified AI-generated material entering judicial proceedings and stressed the need for greater diligence and accountability in the use of precedents.
The Apex Court judge noted that while AI can assist in areas such as case filing, scrutiny, listing, transcription and legal research, it must remain a facilitative tool and cannot substitute human adjudication. She also cautioned that excessive reliance on such tools could subtly influence judicial reasoning, underscoring the need to preserve decisional autonomy.
She further flagged concerns relating to data privacy and confidentiality, noting that courts routinely handle sensitive personal and financial information, which necessitates robust safeguards against misuse or unauthorised access.
On the administrative front, Justice Nagarathna reiterated that High Courts bear a constitutional obligation under Article 235 to ensure fairness and transparency in matters concerning postings, transfers, promotions and leave of judicial officers. She noted that efficient and responsive administrative mechanisms are essential to preserving both independence and morale within the district judiciary.
She further highlighted deficiencies in the functioning of High Court registries, observing that delays and inaction can leave judicial officers without adequate institutional support. Timely redressal of grievances was critical to maintaining confidence within the system.
She also pointed to infrastructural disparities across district courts, noting that while digitisation initiatives have progressed, access to basic facilities and resources remains uneven and requires attention.
Addressing gender inclusion, the Supreme Court judge called for a holistic approach to ensuring safety, dignity and enabling work conditions for women judges. This required not only adequate infrastructure but also robust safeguards against bias and harassment within judicial institutions.
She observed that while technology may assist the judicial process, the administration of justice must remain anchored in human adjudication, guided by constitutional values, the rule of law, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and equity.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Supreme Court judge Justice Aravind Kumar, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Justice Vibhu Bhakru, judges of the Karnataka High Court, President of KSJOA S Nagashree and Karnataka General Secretary Raghavendra Shettigar, along with members of KSJOA and other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
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