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To foster the physical and mental well-being of judges across the country, the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, has constituted a Standing Committee chaired by Justice K. V. Viswanathan. The committee on 'Judicial Well-being' has been constituted on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, celebrated across the world on October 10 each year. 

The committee will comprise four other members, including Dr. Savita Malhotra, Former Dean, PGIMER Chandigarh and Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry; Mr. Rajat Mitra, Psychologist, Director and Co-founder, Swanchetan Society for Mental Health; Ms. Mrinal Kanwar, Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India; and Ms. Aarti Singh, Registrar (J), Centre for Research and Planning, Supreme Court of India.

The initiative aims to address occupational stress, workload, and mental well-being of judicial officers who discharge their responsibilities under demanding circumstances. This is based on an empirical research undertaken by the Centre for Research and Planning, Supreme Court, examining the well-being of judicial officers in the District Judiciary.

The research covered several critical aspects, such as occupational stress, workload, mental and physical exhaustion, staffing shortages, infrastructural limitations, administrative responsibilities, transfers, work-life balance, and the availability of institutional support.

The research undertaken supports the fact that the work of judicial officers involves dealing with heavy caseloads, prolonged working hours, complex decision-making, administrative pressure, and exposure to emotionally challenging and sensitive cases. 

Therefore, the initiative is a structured institutional mechanism for identifying and addressing issues affecting the professional and personal well-being of judicial officers: "The initiative acknowledges that the well-being of judges is not merely a matter of individual welfare but is closely connected with the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the administration of justice."

The responsibilities of the committee will include identifying areas requiring institutional intervention, facilitating coordinated welfare measures, developing appropriate guidance, and periodically reviewing initiatives undertaken to support the judicial officers. 

"By creating a dedicated mechanism for studying, addressing and periodically reviewing judicial well-being, the Supreme Court seeks to promote a healthier and more supportive working environment for judicial officers. The initiative reinforces a fundamental principle: the well-being of those entrusted with delivering justice is integral to the strength, effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the judicial system."

The initiative reflects a growing international recognition of institutional responsibility and draws upon the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being adopted on July 25, 2024. The declaration emphasises the need for systematic, evidence-based measures to safeguard the physical and mental health of the judges. This has been further reinforced by the United Nations General Assembly every year on July 25 as the 'International Day for Judicial Well-being,' recognising the well-being and the effective administration of justice. 



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