On his final working day as a Supreme Court judge, Justice AS Oka delivered a candid and thought-provoking farewell speech, urging structural reforms within the judiciary. Speaking at a ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, he emphasized the need to move away from the current Chief Justice of India (CJI)-centric functioning of the Supreme Court, advocating for a more democratic approach similar to that adopted by High Courts.
Justice Oka remarked that High Courts operate through a committee-based decision-making system, while the Supreme Court continues to be heavily reliant on the CJI’s authority. “This system must change now,” he asserted, calling for a shift in internal judicial practices.
He further highlighted the persistent neglect of trial and district courts, noting that calling them ‘subordinate courts’ violates constitutional principles. “There are numerous pending cases in our trial courts. Appeals have been pending for 25 years. Courts like Allahabad are functioning at half their required strength. Punishing someone after 20 years becomes meaningless,” he said, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen the lower judiciary.
Justice Oka expressed hope that change is possible under the newly-appointed Chief Justice of India, Mr. Justice BR Gavai, whose tenure extends till November 2025. He acknowledged the leadership of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who he said had paved the way for greater transparency, and added that democratic values are ingrained in Justice Gavai’s approach.
Justice Oka’s remarks come at a time of growing national discussion on the need for greater transparency, accountability, and reform within the Indian judiciary. His farewell address is being viewed as a bold and sincere reflection on the need for introspection and internal transformation at the highest levels of the judicial system.
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