CJI Surya Kant: Humility Over Perfection in Judicial Leadership

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has said that judicial leadership does not suffer because judges are imperfect, but it is adversely impacted when judges pretend they are not imperfect. He called for a radical shift in perception, proposing a Commonwealth Apex Body to integrate judicial education, the Bar, and the bench across member nations. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th biennial Commonwealth Judicial Educators meeting, he reminded the audience that judges, like institutions, remain capable of growth, correction, and improvement.

He emphasized that leadership requires not only mastery of precedent but also agility to interpret the law in ways that serve justice today. 'Humility, in that sense, has never been a personal virtue alone; it has been a professional safeguard. And I believe this important tool must be taught to every judicial officer, without exception,' the CJI said. Discussing the event's theme, 'Educating for Judicial Leadership', he argued the view that judges are finished products flatters the institution and fails to serve it.

'In my opinion, while that view flatters the institution, it does not serve it. Judicial leadership does not suffer because judges are imperfect; it suffers when we pretend they are not,' the CJI added. He went on to say that for educating judicial leadership, a 'more honest premise' is needed – that judges, like the institutions they lead, remain capable of growth, correction, and improvement. The remarks come as CJEs gather to reflect on how to train and mentor judges across the Commonwealth, a move he described as timely and essential for responsible governance of justice.

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