'Even Judges Aren’t Above Scrutiny': CJI BR Gavai Urges Swift Action On Misconduct

Last Updated:June 04, 2025, 01:45 IST

The comments hold significance as Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court is, in all likelihood, about to face impeachment proceedings

CJI Gavai delivered a powerful address at the UK Supreme Court Roundtable titled 'Maintaining Judicial Legitimacy and Public Confidence'. Pic/News18

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Tuesday underscored the pressing need for integrity, transparency, and swift action when addressing allegations of judicial impropriety.

“…the path to rebuilding this trust lies in the swift, decisive, and transparent action taken to address and resolve these issues," said CJI Gavai, addressing the issue of judicial misconduct.

The CJI said that every system, no matter how robust, is susceptible to issues of professional misconduct.

“Sadly, there have been instances of corruption and misconduct that have surfaced even within the judiciary. Such occurrences inevitably have a negative impact on public confidence, potentially eroding faith in the integrity of the system as a whole," said Justice Gavai while delivering a powerful address at the UK Supreme Court Roundtable titled “Maintaining Judicial Legitimacy and Public Confidence".

Justice Gavai added that when such instances have come to light in India, the Supreme Court has consistently taken immediate and appropriate measures to address the misconduct.

The comments of Justice Gavai hold larger significance as Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court is, in all likelihood, about to face impeachment proceedings.

The development comes after Justice Varma was indicted by a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel upon the discovery of a huge sum of burnt cash from his official residence in the national capital.

Gavai also used the platform to highlight several proactive steps taken by the Indian judiciary to build public trust. Referring to transparency initiatives, he noted that judges of the Supreme Court have begun voluntarily disclosing their assets. “Judges, as public functionaries, are accountable to the people," he said.

He emphasised the importance of accessibility and public communication, mentioning the live-streaming of Constitution Bench hearings and the e-SCR portal, which offers free access to Supreme Court judgments. “This initiative greatly benefits law students, researchers, and citizens by enabling one-click access to court rulings," he said.

Touching upon judicial appointments, CJI Gavai reaffirmed the importance of keeping the process free from executive influence. “There may be criticisms of the collegium system, but any solution must not come at the cost of judicial independence," he stressed.

The Chief Justice concluded by cautioning that legitimacy is not commanded but earned. “In today’s digital era, where information flows freely and perceptions are rapidly shaped, the judiciary must rise to the challenge of being accessible, intelligible, and answerable—without compromising its independence," he said.

Ananya Bhatnagar

Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De...Read More

Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De...

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