CJI Surya Kant: Judiciary Does Not Take Sides, Constitution Is Supreme
CJI Surya Kant stresses constitutional values, impartiality and judicial responsibility.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has emphasised that the judiciary does not take sides in political or public disputes and remains guided by constitutional values. During an interview with DD News on Thursday, the CJI described the Constitution as the country’s “greatest power” and stressed that protecting its basic structure is a central responsibility of the judiciary. He underlined values including equality, dignity, the rule of law, democratic principles and judicial independence as fundamental to India’s constitutional framework.
CJI Surya Kant also addressed concerns surrounding judicial activism, explaining that intervention by courts to protect marginalised and vulnerable sections is part of their constitutional responsibility. He noted that many socially and economically disadvantaged people may not be in a position to approach courts directly to seek protection of their legal and constitutional rights. Public Interest Litigation and suo motu action, he said, provide mechanisms through which courts can respond to issues affecting communities and broader sections of society.
The CJI explained that judicial activism differs from conventional litigation between two parties because it can involve a person approaching the court on behalf of people whose rights have been affected. Such cases may concern community, social or constitutional rights rather than the personal interests of the petitioner. According to Surya Kant, judicial intervention in these circumstances aims to restore rights to people who may not be directly represented before the court, making such action an integral part of the judiciary’s constitutional role.
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Surya Kant also expressed confidence that the basic structure of the Constitution would remain intact despite changes in the country’s circumstances. He stressed that its fundamental principles cannot be altered and must instead be strengthened with continued respect. The CJI’s remarks come amid wider public and legal debates over the role of the judiciary, its independence and the extent to which courts should intervene in matters involving constitutional and public rights.
The Chief Justice further outlined efforts to address the large number of pending cases across the judicial system. He said docket management had been made a priority after he assumed office, with measures aimed at identifying and efficiently handling important cases that have wider implications. The formation of constitutional benches and grouping related matters were among the steps cited as ways to streamline judicial proceedings and reduce pendency in the Supreme Court.
CJI Surya Kant also pointed to the broader impact of judicial reforms on High Courts and District Courts, saying efforts to improve case management were intended to strengthen judicial delivery at the grassroots level. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, and took oath as the Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025. His comments reaffirmed his emphasis on constitutional values, judicial responsibility and improving the efficiency of the justice system.
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