He opined that fair, informed and constructive criticism of the judiciary is necessary for a constitutional democracy.
Fair, informed and constructive critique of judicial functioning is a legitimate and necessary feature of a vibrant constitutional democracy, contributing to institutional accountability and self-correction," said CJI Kant.
He said transparency required institutions to remain willing to face questions and criticism.
For a court cannot seek the confidence of the public by placing itself beyond scrutiny.
It must remain willing to be examined, questioned and, where necessary, criticised," added CJI Kant.
He opined that fair, informed and constructive criticism of the judiciary is necessary for a constitutional democracy.
"The judiciary as an institution is not and cannot be above scrutiny. Fair, informed and constructive critique of judicial functioning is a legitimate and necessary feature of a vibrant constitutional democracy, contributing to institutional accountability and self-correction," said CJI Kant.
He also said that courts could not claim public confidence while placing themselves beyond examination. He said transparency required institutions to remain willing to face questions and criticism.
"It lies at the heart of transparency itself. For a court cannot seek the confidence of the public by placing itself beyond scrutiny. It must remain willing to be examined, questioned and, where necessary, criticised," added CJI Kant.
