Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who assumed office just four days ago, reaffirmed his commitment to accessible justice on Friday, declaring he would sit till midnight if needed to hear the cases of the poorest litigants. The remark came while dismissing a public interest litigation filed by Tilak Singh Dangi against the Centre and others, which the bench—comprising CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi—deemed frivolous and pursued for "luxury" rather than genuine public interest.

"No luxury litigation in my court," CJI Kant asserted firmly, distinguishing such cases from those brought by ordinary citizens. "Let me tell you this... I am here for the smallest... poorest litigant in the last row. If needed, I will sit here till midnight for them," he added, underscoring that ensuring timely and equitable access to justice for the underprivileged remains his top priority during his tenure.

Hailing from a middle-class family in Hisar's Jakhal Mandi village in Haryana, CJI Kant took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice on November 24, succeeding DY Chandrachud. His journey—from a student leader at Panjab University to a Supreme Court judge in 2019—has been marked by a focus on social justice issues, including landmark rulings on farmers' rights and environmental protection. He is set to serve until February 9, 2027, when he turns 65, giving him nearly 15 months to steer the judiciary toward greater efficiency and inclusivity.

Also Read: Major CLAT 2026 Alert: NALSAR Revamps Seat Matrix, Mandates SC-TL Updates by Dec 1

The CJI's comments highlight ongoing challenges in India's overburdened judicial system, where over 50 million cases are pending across courts, disproportionately affecting the poor who lack resources for prolonged litigation. Initiatives like free legal aid under the National Legal Services Authority and e-filing have made strides, but critics argue more needs to be done to reduce adjournments and expedite hearings for marginalized groups.

CJI Kant's emphasis on the "poorest litigant" echoes sentiments from predecessors like NV Ramana, who prioritized virtual hearings during the pandemic to bridge urban-rural divides. Legal experts view his pledge as a signal of intent to tackle the backlog through extended sittings and technology integration, potentially inspiring similar resolve among high court judges.

As the Supreme Court navigates high-profile matters—from electoral bonds to reservation policies—Kant's personal vow serves as a poignant reminder of the judiciary's constitutional mandate under Article 39A to secure justice for all, regardless of status, reinforcing public faith in an institution often criticized for delays.

Also Read: Nation’s Security Braintrust Assembles In Raipur For High-Stakes DGP-IG Conference