CJI Surya Kant Advocates for Judicial Humility and Growth at Commonwealth Meeting
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant delivered a powerful keynote address on Saturday, asserting that judicial leadership faces significant challenges when judges pretend to be perfect. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th biennial meeting of the Commonwealth Judicial Educators (CJEs), Justice Kant highlighted the critical need for judges and judicial institutions to remain capable of continuous growth, correction, and improvement.
Rejecting the Myth of Judicial Perfection
Addressing the gathering with profound insight, CJI Surya Kant stated, "In my opinion, while that view flatters the institution, it does not serve it. Judicial leadership does not suffer because judges are imperfect; it suffers when we pretend they are not." He pointed out that judges have traditionally been viewed as fully formed and perfected upon appointment, a perspective he described as outdated and counterproductive.
The Chief Justice emphasized that humility should not be considered merely a personal virtue but rather a professional safeguard essential for the judiciary. "Humility, in that sense, has never been a personal virtue alone; it has been a professional safeguard. And I believe this important tool must be taught to every judicial officer, without exception," he declared, as reported by PTI.
Call for Radical Shift in Judicial Education
Justice Surya Kant called for a fundamental transformation in how judicial leadership is understood and cultivated. He proposed the establishment of a 'Commonwealth Apex Body' designed to integrate judicial education, the Bar, and the bench across all member nations. This innovative body would foster collaboration and shared learning while respecting the unique legal traditions of each jurisdiction.
Reflecting on the event's theme, "Educating for Judicial Leadership," the CJI described it as exceptionally timely. He noted that the most respected judicial leaders throughout history did not claim perfection but instead remained acutely aware of their limitations, open to continuous learning, and vigilant about the possibility of error.
Beyond Legal Precedent: The Modern Judge's Role
CJI Kant elaborated that the contemporary role of judges requires more than just mastery of legal precedent. It demands "the agility to interpret the law" to effectively meet the evolving demands of justice in today's complex world. He advocated for a "more honest premise" in educating judicial leadership, recognizing that judges, like the institutions they lead, are inherently capable of growth, correction, and improvement.
Praising the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute (CJEI), Justice Kant highlighted its crucial role in guiding judges to become more than mere interpreters of law. "Across our vast community of nations – spanning continents, cultures and legal traditions – the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute (CJEI) guides judges to become more than mere interpreters of law, moulds them into wise custodians of justice, equipped to navigate the moral and technical challenges of a world-order in flux," he stated.
Fostering Global Judicial Collaboration
The Chief Justice commended the CJEI for its efforts in connecting judicial educators, promoting peer learning, and enabling different jurisdictions to learn from one another while preserving their distinct legal and institutional contexts. This collaborative approach, he suggested, is vital for strengthening judicial systems worldwide and ensuring they remain responsive and resilient.
Justice Surya Kant's address marks a significant moment in judicial discourse, urging a paradigm shift toward greater transparency, humility, and adaptability within the global judiciary. His proposals for enhanced education and international cooperation through a Commonwealth Apex Body could reshape how judicial leadership is developed and sustained across nations.
