April 15, 2024
In a strong message, 21 retired judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts of India have written to Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud expressing their concern over what they perceive as a deliberate effort to weaken the judiciary.
The letter highlights anxieties over "calculated pressure, misinformation, and public disparagement" being used to undermine judicial independence. The judges specifically criticize the trend of selectively praising judgments that align with a particular viewpoint, while harshly criticizing those that don't.
They argue that such practices erode the core principle of judicial review, which empowers the judiciary to interpret laws and ensure they comply with the constitution. The letter urges the Chief Justice and the entire judicial system to take steps to safeguard its autonomy and uphold its role as an impartial arbiter.