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The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice DY Chandrachud, has defended the judiciary's role in ensuring fair trials and protecting citizens' rights, while acknowledging the criticism directed at judges for being 'unelected and unaccountable.' During the Jigme Singye Wangchuk lecture in Bhutan, CJI Chandrachud highlighted the constitutional obligation of judges to safeguard the fundamental rights of the people. He emphasized that while judges are not directly elected by the public, their independence is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair and impartial judicial system.
CJI Chandrachud recognized the distinct nature of public trust in the judiciary compared to other branches of government. He noted that while elected officials, such as MPs and members of the political executive, are accountable directly to the people, the judiciary's insulation from public opinion is essential for its independence and integrity. This independence, however, necessitates a strong emphasis on public trust in the judicial system. He asserted that while the executive branch decides on resource allocation, the judiciary's role is to ensure the fairness and balance of such distribution.
The CJI's remarks were a direct response to the recurring criticism levelled against the judiciary, often labeled as the 'tyranny of the unelected and unaccountable.' This criticism intensified after the Supreme Court's landmark rulings on the 2G spectrum and coal block allocations, as well as its rejection of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). CJI Chandrachud's defense of the judiciary's role highlights the delicate balance between judicial independence and public accountability. He acknowledged the importance of public trust for the credibility of the judiciary, while emphasizing that the judges are bound by the constitution to uphold the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
Source: CJI Chandrachud responds to 'tyranny of unelected jibe' at judiciary