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The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a strong message regarding the appropriate conduct of judges in the digital age. In a case concerning the termination of two women judicial officers by the Madhya Pradesh High Court (MP HC), the court declared that judges should abstain from using social media platforms and refrain from expressing opinions on judgments. The bench, comprised of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh, used the striking phrase, 'Live hermit life, work like a horse,' to emphasize the required level of dedication and self-restraint expected from judicial officers. This statement highlights the court's concern about maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary in the face of the pervasive influence of social media.
The justices' concerns stem from the potential for social media posts to compromise the objectivity of judicial decisions. If a judge publicly expresses an opinion on a case before a ruling is made, it could create an appearance of bias, regardless of whether the judge's final decision aligns with their prior statement. Furthermore, such public pronouncements could influence public perception and potentially impact the fair administration of justice. The bench's oral observation explicitly stated that using social media platforms like Facebook is unacceptable for judicial officers, citing the inherent public nature of these platforms and the risk of compromising the judicial process. This ruling underscores the court's commitment to upholding the principle of impartiality and avoiding any potential conflict of interest.
The case itself involved the termination of two women judicial officers by the MP HC. The Supreme Court's involvement highlights a larger concern about due process and the potential for bias in disciplinary actions against judicial officers. The court's examination of the case included an assessment of the reasons for the termination. The High Court's report cited unsatisfactory performance, measured by a low case disposal rate, as the primary reason for the termination. However, the terminated judges argued that their performance was impacted by factors such as maternity leave and family emergencies, which were not adequately considered in the evaluation process. This aspect of the case sheds light on the challenges faced by women in balancing professional responsibilities with personal circumstances and emphasizes the need for fair and comprehensive performance assessments that consider individual circumstances.
The Supreme Court's decision also touches upon the broader issue of work-life balance for judicial officers. The court's figurative language – 'live hermit life, work like a horse' – while perhaps extreme, reveals the court's understanding of the demanding nature of the judicial profession and the potential pressure on judicial officers to be constantly available and accessible. This raises important questions about the wellbeing of judges and the necessity for creating a sustainable environment that recognizes the challenges they face. The court's concerns about social media use can also be viewed within this context. Excessive engagement with social media can further erode work-life balance and potentially exacerbate the stress and pressures associated with the judicial profession.
The case is significant beyond its immediate context. The Supreme Court's strong stance on social media use for judges sets a precedent for other jurisdictions and underscores the need for a thoughtful approach to the use of social media by those in positions of authority. The issue is not simply about the potential for impropriety; it is about safeguarding the integrity of the judicial system and maintaining public trust. The broader discussion on fair and equitable performance evaluations for judicial officers, especially for women judges, will continue to be relevant and necessitates a fair and just process that addresses all aspects of a judge's work performance and life events.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling against judges using social media and commenting on judgments underscores the importance of preserving judicial impartiality and upholding the highest ethical standards. The case also highlights the complexities of evaluating performance in the judicial system and the need for policies and practices that protect the wellbeing and rights of all judicial officers. The ‘hermit life, work like a horse’ metaphor, while controversial, encapsulates the enormous demands and sacrifices associated with a judicial career. The Supreme Court's intervention suggests a growing awareness of the need for a more holistic and compassionate approach to these roles, while simultaneously reinforcing a stringent commitment to ethical conduct and the preservation of judicial integrity in a digital age.
Source: 'Live Hermit Life, Work Like A Horse': SC Says Judges Should Refrain From Social Media