CJI Surya Kant Urges Better Judicial Responsiveness at Kerala HC Jubilee
CJI Surya Kant calls for better judicial responsiveness at the Kerala High Court's Platinum Jubilee, noting the rise in urgent SC appeals.
During the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the High Court of Kerala, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant highlighted the need for enhancing judicial responsiveness, particularly regarding the listing of urgent matters. Speaking in Kochi, the CJI emphasized that while the Supreme Court deeply respects the autonomy of High Courts, the current trend of litigants seeking early hearings from the apex court suggests a need for internal reflection within the judicial system.
A Balance Between Autonomy and Efficiency
CJI Surya Kant underscored that the Supreme Court has always maintained a stance of steadfast respect toward the institutional independence of High Courts. He specifically mentioned the authority of these courts to regulate their own rosters, noting that this respect is firmly rooted in the constitutional status assigned to High Courts.
However, the Chief Justice pointed out a concerning pattern. He observed that an increasing number of litigants are approaching the Supreme Court to request expedited hearings for cases that are pending in the High Courts. According to the CJI, this frequency of requests serves as a signal for the judiciary to examine whether there is room to make listing processes more responsive to the needs of the people.
"The Supreme Court, on its part, has consistently respected the institutional autonomy of the High Courts... Yet, the frequency of such requests made before the Supreme Court invites us to consider whether there is room to improve the responsiveness of our processes," CJI Surya Kant observed.
Celebrating a Milestone in Kochi
The remarks were delivered during the inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the High Court of Kerala on November 1, 2026. The event marked a historic milestone for the institution, celebrating 75 years since its inception.
Distinguished Guests and Proceedings
The inaugural ceremony, which commenced at 11:00 am on the High Court premises, was presided over by Justice Soumen Sen, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala. The event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including:
- Arjun Ram Meghwal: Union Minister of State for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs.
- Justice Sarasa Venkatanarayana Bhatti: Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The celebration served not only as a commemoration of the court's long history but also as a platform for the highest judicial officer of the country to call for systemic improvements to ensure that justice is delivered in a timely and responsive manner.