‘Judiciary cannot remain beyond scrutiny’:CJI says criticism needed for accountability, not every complaint against judges can be put on website

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said on Monday that the judiciary must be prepared to face scrutiny and criticism to maintain people’s trust in the justice system. He said fair and constructive criticism of the judiciary’s functioning is essential in a democracy. It strengthens accountability in the justice system and creates scope for reforms. The CJI said judges face complaints at different stages of their tenure. However, he questioned whether every complaint should be made public on the website. Surya Kant made the remarks while delivering the sixth Ram Jethmalani Memorial Lecture on ‘Justice Seen to Be Done: Transparency and Public Trust as Pillars of the Legal System’ in Delhi. CJI’s 2 key points: Trust is built when the losing side also gets justice Public trust comes from justice to both sides: Public trust and public preference are not the same thing. Trust is not built simply because a court verdict goes in favour of what a person wants. It is built when even the losing side feels that a fair process was followed. Judicial institutions need constant scrutiny: The mere presence of a court in a district is not enough. Access to the justice system should be easy for ordinary citizens, and they should feel that reaching a court will not itself become their biggest struggle. Changes in the existing system are possible: He said there is no major barrier to dialogue between the Collegium and the executive. Reforms are possible within the existing system, and no institution can remain static or immune to change. Surya Kant became Supreme Court judge in 2019, CJI in 2025 CJI Surya Kant was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019. He was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025. ​