CJI says it is time to begin ‘difficult conversations’ on the need for long vacations in the Supreme Court

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said the diamond jubilee year of the Supreme Court should be the time to recognise challenges threatening the relevancy of the court as an institution and begin “difficult conversations” starting with the necessity to continue with long vacations.

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Sunday said the diamond jubilee year of the Supreme Court should be the time to recognise challenges threatening the relevancy of the court as an institution and begin “difficult conversations” starting with the necessity to continue with long vacations.

“Let us begin the conversation on long vacations and whether alternatives such as flexi-time for lawyers and judges is possible,” Dr. Chandrachud said in his speech in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Supreme Court judges, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Bar leaders.

The Chief Justice said the “adjournment culture” should give way to a “culture of professionalism” in court.

The CJI drew attention to how lengthy oral arguments, some of which usually go on for days on end, delay judicial outcomes.

Also Read | PM emphasises ‘ease of justice’, says ₹800 crore approved for Supreme Court building complex expansion

Finally, Chief Justice Chandrachud called for a level playing field for first generation lawyers.

The Chief Justice spoke of the changing demographics in the legal profession. “Men, women and others from marginalised segments who have the will to work and the potential to succeed,” he said. He highlighted how legal practice was once considered the exclusive domain of “elite men”.