New Delhi: In a strong statement on judicial integrity, Justice B.V. Nagarathna said that judges who cannot live within their known sources of income and fall prey to greed must be removed from the system.
Speaking at a major judicial conference, she stressed that despite improved salaries, any compromise with honesty damages public trust and the justice system.
Key Highlights of Justice B.V. Nagarathna Statement on Corrupted Judges
Judges Must Maintain Financial Integrity
Justice Nagarathna emphasized that judges today receive adequate salaries and allowances, especially after the acceptance of the 2nd National Judicial Pay Commission recommendations.
Despite this, she warned:
- Judges who cannot manage within legitimate income sources
- Those who fall into greed or temptation
“Must be weeded out of the system.”
This highlights a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption within the judiciary.
Warning Against External Pressure
Justice Nagarathna also raised concerns about external influence on judges, which can harm fair decision-making.
She stressed that judges must:
- Remain independent in their thinking
- Avoid pressure from colleagues or outside forces
- Show courage while delivering judgments
She clearly stated that even subtle “coordination” in decisions is unacceptable.
“Tainted Judgments Harm the Entire Judiciary”
According to her, a wrong or biased judgment does not just affect one case.
- It becomes a “black mark” on the judge
- It damages the credibility of the judiciary as a whole
She urged judges to always remember their duty toward:
- The litigant public
- The nation
Concerns Over Artificial Intelligence in Judiciary
Speaking at the conference themed “Reimagining the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”, she also addressed the growing role of AI.
Key concerns:
- Over-reliance on AI may influence human thinking
- It can affect judicial independence and reasoning
- Judges must retain final control over decisions
She said AI should only assist—not replace—human judgment.
Call for Institutional Support
Justice Nagarathna also urged High Courts to:
- Support district judiciary judges
- Ensure fair promotions and transfers under Article 235
- Create a system where judges feel protected
This, she said, is essential for maintaining independence and integrity.
Who is Justice B.V. Nagarathna
Justice B.V. Nagarathna is a distinguished judge of the Supreme Court of India and one of the most respected voices in India’s judiciary. She was born on October 30, 1962, in Bengaluru. She is the daughter of former Chief Justice of India E. S. Venkataramiah, which gave her early exposure to the legal world.
She completed her law degree from the University Law College Bengaluru and began her legal career as an advocate in 1987. She practiced mainly in constitutional, commercial, and service law matters before the Karnataka High Court.
Justice Nagarathna was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court in 2008 and became a Permanent Judge in 2010. During her tenure, she delivered several important judgments, especially on constitutional rights and administrative law.
In August 2021, she was elevated to the Supreme Court of India. She is widely noted for her strong views on judicial independence, transparency, and ethical conduct. Importantly, she is in line to become India’s first woman Chief Justice, expected in 2027, although her tenure would be brief.
Justice Nagarathna is known for her clarity of thought, firm stance on integrity, and commitment to upholding the rule of law, making her a significant figure in India’s legal system.
