Law & Justice

CJI Urges Transparent, Predictable Case Listings to Enhance Judicial Responsiveness

By TNN

CJI Surya Kant emphasized that the difference between justice and injustice lies in timely court intervention rather than the final judgment. Speaking at the platinum jubilee celebration of the Kerala High Court, he called for the judiciary, especially constitutional courts, to introspect and improve their operations by making case listings more transparent and predictable. Kant highlighted that constitutional justice in India is rooted in a network of 25 High Courts, each tasked with protecting rights and upholding the rule of law. He noted that High Courts are better positioned to address citizens’ problems due to their close connection with everyday realities. The Chief Justice underscored the constitutional significance of Article 226, which empowers High Courts to issue writs and directions for fundamental and other legal rights, and to grant timely interim protection. He observed a growing trend of litigants approaching the Supreme Court for urgent listing or early hearing of matters pending before High Courts and questioned whether the current process could be improved. He stated that the Supreme Court has respected the institutional autonomy of High Courts, including their authority to regulate rosters, but the frequency of such requests suggests a need to assess whether urgent matters can be identified more effectively, whether listing procedures can be made more transparent and predictable, and whether technology can help prioritize cases where delay may cause irreversible prejudice. He framed these questions as matters of collective responsibility rather than institutional criticism.