Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Judicial Leaders Differ on Reforms
Two important judges in India, Ex CJI Chandrachud and current CJI Surya Kant, have different opinions about how to fix problems in the courts.
Chandrachud said that courts are too slow and people accused of crimes should get bail if their trial takes too long.
He also said that lower courts often deny bail, which causes more cases to go to the Supreme Court.
On the other hand, CJI Surya Kant dismissed a request to create a committee for judicial reforms.
He told the person who made the request to write a letter instead of filing a petition.
He also questioned how many extra courts would be needed to finish cases in a year.
Both judges agree that suggestions for improvement are welcome, but they have different ideas about how to make changes.
Ex CJI Chandrachud expressed concern over delays in the Indian criminal justice system and the denial of bail by lower courts.
CJI Surya Kant dismissed a petition for judicial reforms, calling it 'publicity-seeking' and asked the petitioner to write a letter instead.
Chandrachud attributed the high volume of bail cases in the Supreme Court to judicial apprehensions about their integrity being questioned.
Surya Kant questioned the feasibility of setting up enough courts to deliver judgments within a year.
Both judges acknowledged that suggestions for judicial reforms are welcome, but they have different approaches to addressing the issues.
- Who
- Ex CJI Chandrachud and CJI Surya Kant
- What
- Expressed differing views on judicial reforms and delays in the criminal justice system
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address issues in the criminal justice system and judicial reforms
- Person 1
- Ex CJI Chandrachud
- Person 2
- CJI Surya Kant
- Topic 1
- Criminal Justice Delays
- Topic 2
- Judicial Reforms
- Issue 1
- Bail Denials by Lower Courts
- Issue 2
- Petition Dismissal for Reforms
- Reason 1
- Judicial Apprehensions
- Reason 2
- Petition Seen as Publicity-Seeking
Sources
'Innocent Until Proven Guilty But...': Ex CJI Chandrachud on Umar Khalid's Bail
Accused is entitled to...: Ex-CJI on Umar Khalid's bail
'Write To Me...': Chief Justice Surya Kant Dismisses Plea On 'Judicial Reforms'
‘Judges fear granting bail’—DY Chandrachud takes on Umar Khalid question at JLF
Bail is a right, but national security cases need scrutiny: Ex-CJI Chandrachud on Umar Khalid’s plea
