Supreme Court Is Not A Poly-Vocal Court, It Is A People Centric Court: CJI DY Chandrachud

The Chief Justice Of India D Y Chandrachud on Tuesday speaking at the felicitation ceremony of newly appointed Supreme Court judges Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice SV Bhatti, held by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) said that the 'Supreme Court is not a polyvocal court, rather it is a people-centric court'.

Speaking of the diverse background from which Justice Bhuyyan and Justice Bhatti come from the CJI said, "their elevation reaffirms that this is not the Supreme Court of just Delhi or Maharashtra. This is the Supreme Court of India. Our aim here is make sure that it reflects the diversity of India."

The Chief Justice said that one of the main missions of the collegium while appointing judges, is to ensure that they reflect diversity of the country. "This has been one of the missions of the Collegium. To ensure we represent the richness and diversity of India. Many people have been critical of the Supreme Court for being a polyvocal court. But let us look at the flip side, the reason we are polyvocal is because no two judges are similar. Here a judge from Maharashtra and West Bengal sit together in a bench to decide a matter from Haryana. This is the true essence of the Supreme Court . Each judge brings their own unique experience to the table". He said.

Stressing on the importance of such diversity the CJI said that this was required to earn the trust of the people. "People will start trusting the judiciary only when they see a reflection of themselves in the people who dispense justice."

While highlighting the importance of solidarity between the bar and the bench for the cause of the common man, the CJI said "there is a degree of solidarity between bar and the bench. We stand together for one cause irrespective of religion, language, caste, affiliation.. in the mission to render justice to common citizens.. We are tied together in the noble object of furthering the cause of justice, whether we are members of the bar, whether we are judges."