Retired Judges Appeal to India’s Chief Justice DY Chandrachud to Protect Judiciary

A group of retired judges, including some from the top court, have accused critics of trying to undermine public confidence in the judicial system for their own political and personal gains. While they did not specify the incidents that prompted them to write to the CJI, their letter comes amidst a disagreement between the ruling BJP and opposition parties over actions taken against some opposition leaders in corruption cases. The retired judges highlighted that affected leaders and their parties have been approaching courts seeking relief, and the BJP has accused them of selectively using judicial decisions, citing a lack of relief for several arrested leaders to counter the opposition’s criticism.

The judges accused the critics of using insidious methods to influence judicial processes by casting doubts on the integrity of courts and judges, stating that such actions disrespect the sanctity of the judiciary and challenge the principles of fairness and impartiality that judges are sworn to uphold. They expressed concern about the tactics of misinformation and the orchestration of public sentiment against the judiciary, urging the Supreme Court and the judiciary as a whole to fortify themselves against such pressures and preserve the sanctity and autonomy of the legal system. The judges emphasized the need for the judiciary to remain a pillar of democracy, immune to the transient interests of politics.

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