Judges Who Can't Live Within Their Income & Fall Prey To Greed Must Be Weeded Out : Justice BV Nagarathna

Justice BV Nagarathna of the Supreme Court today said that the Supreme Court has accepted the 2nd National Judicial Pay Commission's recommendations on the increase in salaries and allowances for the judges of the District Judiciary. She added that if judges are still unable to live with their known source of income and fall prey to greed and temptation, they must be weeded out of the system.

"There has been adequate increase in salaries and allowances for the Judges in the District Judiciary, thanks to the Pay Commission's recommendations being accepted by the Supreme."

She also cautioned judges against "external pressure", which may also come from their own colleagues.

"Judges who are unable to live within their known sources of income and fall prey to greed and temptation must be weeded out of the system. I must add that Judges must be free from external pressures or from their colleagues. They must develop courage and independence. There cannot be any “co-ordination” in decision making. A tainted decision by a Judge is a black mark on the Judge and on the Judiciary itself. Hence, let us realise and be conscious of our duty to the litigant public and to the nation."

Justice Nagarathna was speaking at the 22nd Biennial State Level Conference of Judicial Officers held in Bengaluru on the theme "Reimagining the Judiciary in the Era of Artificial Intelligence".

She also said that the High Courts must ensure that the judges in the District Judiciary must feel protected and supported by them in the discharge of their duties. In this context, she said that there must be a fair exercise of Article 235 relating to promotions, postings and transfers.

"A fair, transparent and responsive administration by High Courts is essential to preserve both the independence and morale of Judges at the district level. I must say that fairness of the Registry of the High Court while dealing with the District Judiciary is equally important, for no judicial officer must feel that he/she has been left in the lurch only because the Registry of the High Court is not taking necessary steps at an appropriate time to assuage their genuine grievances."

Justice Nagarathna concluded that there must not just be an increase of women in the district judiciary, but also that there is safety, dignity, and enabling work conditions for women judges.

"This includes not just physical infrastructure but also institutional sensitivity and protection against bias or harassment. Strengthening these aspects is integral to building a Nyaayapaalika (न्यायपािलका) that is not only efficient but also inclusive and secure for all its members."

The event also saw the presence of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka; Justice Aravind Kumar, Justice Vibhu Bhakru, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court and other members of the judicial fraternity.

Also from the event - Judicial Independence Also Means Independence From Undue AI Influence: Justice BV Nagarathna