'Decisions will be rooted in rural India': Justice Surya Kant
What's the story
Justice Surya Kant is set to take over as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday. He will succeed Justice BR Gavai, who retires on Sunday, although his last working day was Friday, November 21. Born on February 10, 1962, in Haryana's Hisar district, Justice Kant rose from humble beginnings to occupy India's highest judicial office. He has been part of several landmark judgments and orders during his tenure.
Judiciary reform
Justice Kant's vision for Indian judiciary
Speaking to CNN-News18, Justice Kant outlined his vision for a transparent, efficient, and accessible judiciary. He emphasized that his decisions would be "rooted in rural India" and reflect the realities of small towns and villages. "My USP as CJI would be that all my decisions will be rooted in rural India and my humble beginning," he said.
Inclusivity emphasis
Justice Kant's focus on inclusivity and efficiency
Justice Kant also stressed the importance of inclusivity in the judiciary, ensuring rural citizens can navigate the system without intimidation. He said a "truly Indian and Swadeshi judiciary must prioritize inclusivity, ensuring rural citizens can navigate the system without intimidation." To achieve this, he said, "Streamlined appointments and time-bound case disposal would counter colonial era opacity and delay."
Process reform
Justice Kant's approach to judicial process reform
Justice Kant also spoke about reforming the judicial process by blending cultural understanding with modern efficiency. He argued for a mix of cultural approaches emphasizing reconciliation and harmony with adversarial practices inherited from British rule. "Transforming Indian judiciary in truly Indian system requires blending modern efficiency with indigenous accessibility and cultural relevance," he said.
Judicial impact
Justice Kant's tenure and landmark judgments
Justice Kant's tenure as an SC judge has been marked by several landmark verdicts. He was part of the bench that heard cases related to the abrogation of Article 370, which removed Jammu and Kashmir's special status. He also heard cases related to free speech, citizenship rights, and gender justice. In one such case, he reinstated a woman sarpanch unlawfully removed from office due to gender bias.