Oxford, June 5: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, speaking at the prestigious Oxford Union Society, emphasized the judiciary’s role in upholding the continuity of constitutional values, particularly in the context of India’s constitutional democracy.
Addressing the theme of the humanizing role of adjudicators in society, Justice Chandrachud underscored the importance of technology in enhancing transparency within the judicial system. Despite acknowledging the criticism judges often face on social media platforms, he emphasized the overall positive impact of technology in enabling broader access to the judiciary.
Responding to questions regarding the judiciary’s role amidst political and societal pressures, the Chief Justice reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality and independence. He clarified that, in his 24 years as a judge, he has never experienced direct political pressure from the government. However, he stressed the judiciary’s responsibility to consider the broader societal implications of its decisions.
Justice Chandrachud also addressed the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Special Marriage Act, which ruled against legalizing same-sex marriage in India. While respecting the judgment as part of the judicial process, he shared his personal stance in favor of recognizing civil unions for same-sex couples until legislative action is taken by Parliament.
Furthermore, Justice Chandrachud discussed the importance of live-streaming important constitutional cases to enhance transparency and public engagement with the judicial process. He emphasized the need to bring justice closer to the people by leveraging technological advancements while preserving the human element within the judicial system.
In his keynote address, Justice Chandrachud highlighted the judiciary’s role in promoting justice and combatting societal dehumanization through a humanizing approach to adjudication. While acknowledging the potential of technological interventions in improving judicial processes, he cautioned against complete automation, advocating for a balanced approach that preserves the human element in decision-making.
The Oxford Union Society, renowned for its advocacy of free speech and intellectual debate, provided a platform for Justice Chandrachud to discuss these critical issues surrounding the judiciary’s role in modern democracies.
