In a sharp rebuke, the Supreme Court underscored the necessity for High Court judges to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in their roles. The Court expressed concern over instances where judges have fallen short, stressing the need for timely, reasoned judgments to uphold public confidence in the judiciary.
The case in question involved a Gujarat High Court judge who released a detailed judgment a year after dictating the verdict in court, a delay the Supreme Court found troubling. The bench, consisting of Justices Dipankar Datta and Prashant Kumar Mishra, highlighted the growing attention on court proceedings, fueled by the rise of social media, and emphasized that judges are under increased scrutiny.
The Court called for High Court judges to issue the reasoning behind their decisions within 2 to 5 days of delivering the verdict. The judgment also referenced recent incidents, including a Karnataka High Court case and a ruling invalidated because the signing judge had retired.
“We live in a world where the actions of the judiciary are under constant observation, especially with the proliferation of social media,” the Court remarked, urging judges to be mindful of their public image. The ruling emphasized that society looks to High Court judges as symbols of moral and professional excellence, and while most judges are commendable in their work, rare deviations can tarnish the entire system.
The Supreme Court urged caution, reminding judges that even small lapses in diligence can have significant consequences for the reputation of the judiciary as a whole.
