Judges presser last year nothing more than self-correcting measure: CJI

Chief Justice of India SA Bobde during the inauguration of a new Rajasthan High Court building on Saturday (December 7) said the press conference held by four senior most judges of the apex court last year was just a self-corrective measure.

In an unprecedented move, Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurien Joseph had on January 12, 2018, held a press conference, saying the situation in the top court was ‘not in order’ and many ‘less than desirable’ things had taken place. Ranjan Gogoi later in the year had succeeded the then chief justice of India Dipak Mishra.

“I believe the institution (judiciary) must correct itself and indeed it did during the time when the much-criticised press conference was held. It was nothing more than a self-corrective measure and I do not wish to justify it,” Justice Bobde said.

The CJI further said, “All judges were eminent and Justice (Ranjan) Gogoi, in particular, showed great competence and led the judiciary from the front.”

He stressed as an institution, the judiciary must remain committed to making justice accessible to people by strengthening the existing avenues and evolving newer means to achieve an affordable, quick and satisfactory settlement of disputes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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