Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has made a key point about how courts work: judges do not speak their personal minds when they are on the Bench. He said judges leave behind their personal beliefs the moment they sit to hear a case.
According to The Tribune, the CJI asserted that what is said in court is neither an expression of a judge's private opinion nor necessarily an indication of the court's final view. This means people should not read too much into a judge's remarks during a hearing.
What CJI Surya Kant said about judging and courtroom remarks
The Chief Justice explained that judges exercise "complete impersonality" while hearing and deciding cases. He said judges are guided solely by the Constitution and the law — not by their own likes or dislikes.
Justice Surya Kant made these remarks ahead of his interaction with representatives of lawyers from Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The meeting was about issues relating to the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) scheme, which deals with legal aid for those who cannot afford lawyers.
During his address, the CJI spoke about the philosophy of judging, the importance of courtroom exchanges, and the need for dialogue in resolving differences. His message was clear: the courtroom is a place of law, not personal feeling.
Why courtroom observations should not be misunderstood
This clarification matters because judges often make observations during hearings that people misunderstand. Some think a judge's comment means the case is already decided. The CJI's statement corrects that misunderstanding.
According to The Tribune, the CJI explained that courtroom observations should not be read as a final decision. Judges ask questions and make remarks to test arguments, not to announce their personal views.
"Judges exercise complete impersonality while hearing and deciding cases, guided solely by the Constitution and the law." — CJI Surya Kant via The Tribune
The CJI also stressed the value of dialogue. He said resolving differences requires conversation and exchange. This applies both inside the courtroom and in the wider legal system.
Our Take: A reminder that judges serve the law, not themselves
In our view, this statement from the CJI is an important reminder for the public. Many people follow court hearings closely and react to every word a judge says. But judging is not about personal opinion — it is about applying the Constitution and the law.
To put it plainly, the CJI is telling us to be patient. A judge's question during a hearing is part of the process, not the final answer. The final answer comes only after both sides are heard and the law is applied.
This also builds trust in the judiciary. When judges set aside personal beliefs, they show that the court decides based on law, not on who is arguing or what the judge personally thinks. That is the foundation of a fair justice system.
For lawyers and citizens alike, the message is simple: listen to the courtroom process, but wait for the final judgment. That is how the rule of law works.