CJI Surya Kant: Judiciousness in the Age of Immediacy
Article highlights CJI Surya Kant's judicious approach in a fast-paced world.
Key Facts
Focus: CJI Surya Kant's judicial approach
Emphasis: Judiciousness and thoughtful decision-making
Context: Era of immediacy and rapid information
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Connects to the syllabus through the role of the judiciary in upholding the Constitution
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on judicial reforms
Visual Insights
Key Metrics of the Indian Judiciary (2026)
Dashboard highlighting key statistics related to the Indian judiciary, reflecting CJI Surya Kant's focus on efficiency and judiciousness.
- Supreme Court Case Disposal Rate
- 92%+3%
- Average Case Pendency Time in Supreme Court
- 1.8 years-0.4 years
- Number of Suo Moto Cases Initiated
- 15+2
Indicates the efficiency of the Supreme Court in resolving pending cases. Higher disposal rate reflects better case management and faster justice delivery.
Shows the average time taken to resolve a case in the Supreme Court. A shorter pendency time indicates quicker justice.
Reflects the proactive role of the CJI in addressing critical issues of public importance.
More Information
Background
The concept of judicial review, a cornerstone of CJI Surya Kant's approach, has deep roots in legal history. While not explicitly mentioned in the original Indian Constitution, it is derived from the principle of the 'rule of law' and Articles 13, 32, 226, and 246. The power of judicial review was first established in Marbury v.
Madison (1803) in the United States. In India, the Supreme Court's power of judicial review was solidified through landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), which established the basic structure doctrine, limiting the Parliament's amending powers.
The evolution of judicial review reflects a continuous negotiation between the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive, shaping the balance of power in the Indian democratic system. The careful and considered application of this power, as exemplified by CJI Kant, is crucial for maintaining constitutional integrity.
Latest Developments
Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of judicial appointments and delays in judicial proceedings. The Collegium system, responsible for judicial appointments, has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and representation. The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, aimed at reforming the appointment process, was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015, reaffirming the judiciary's independence.
Furthermore, the rise of social media and 24-hour news cycles has intensified pressure on judges to deliver quick verdicts, potentially compromising thoroughness. The judiciary is also grappling with a massive backlog of cases, necessitating innovative solutions like virtual courts and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The emphasis on judiciousness, as highlighted in CJI Kant's approach, becomes even more critical in navigating these complex challenges and maintaining public trust in the judicial system.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following statements best describes the 'basic structure doctrine' as established by the Supreme Court of India? A) It allows the Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution with a simple majority. B) It limits the Parliament's power to amend the Constitution by preserving its fundamental features. C) It grants the President the power to veto constitutional amendments. D) It mandates that all constitutional amendments must be ratified by all state legislatures.
- A.It allows the Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution with a simple majority.
- B.It limits the Parliament's power to amend the Constitution by preserving its fundamental features.
- C.It grants the President the power to veto constitutional amendments.
- D.It mandates that all constitutional amendments must be ratified by all state legislatures.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The basic structure doctrine, established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, limits Parliament's amending power to preserve the Constitution's fundamental features. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the doctrine's purpose and scope.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the Collegium system in India: 1. The Collegium is headed by the Chief Justice of India and comprises four other senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. 2. The Collegium system has a constitutional basis and is explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India. 3. The recommendations made by the Collegium are binding on the President of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. The Collegium is headed by the CJI and comprises four other senior-most judges. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Collegium system is a judicial innovation, not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. Statement 3 is incorrect as the government can return the Collegium's recommendation for reconsideration.
3. With reference to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), which of the following statements is NOT correct? A) The NJAC was established to replace the Collegium system for judicial appointments. B) The NJAC Act was unanimously passed by the Parliament of India. C) The Supreme Court of India declared the NJAC Act unconstitutional in 2015. D) The NJAC aimed to involve the executive and civil society in the judicial appointment process.
- A.The NJAC was established to replace the Collegium system for judicial appointments.
- B.The NJAC Act was unanimously passed by the Parliament of India.
- C.The Supreme Court of India declared the NJAC Act unconstitutional in 2015.
- D.The NJAC aimed to involve the executive and civil society in the judicial appointment process.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The NJAC Act was indeed passed by the Parliament, but not unanimously. Some members opposed certain provisions. The other statements are correct regarding the NJAC's purpose, its fate, and its intended composition.
4. In the context of judicial decision-making, what does 'judiciousness' primarily imply? A) Speed and efficiency in resolving cases. B) Strict adherence to legal precedents without considering context. C) A balanced and thoughtful approach, considering all relevant factors and principles. D) Prioritizing popular opinion and media coverage in legal judgments.
- A.Speed and efficiency in resolving cases.
- B.Strict adherence to legal precedents without considering context.
- C.A balanced and thoughtful approach, considering all relevant factors and principles.
- D.Prioritizing popular opinion and media coverage in legal judgments.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Judiciousness refers to a balanced and thoughtful approach, considering all relevant factors and legal principles before making a decision. It is about fairness, impartiality, and thoroughness, not just speed or popularity.