Incumbent upon judges to exercise discretion in observations: Prez

New Delhi, Nov 27 (PTI):
President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said it is incumbent upon the judges to exercise utmost discretion in their utterances in the courtrooms as indiscreet remarks, even if made with good intentions, give space for dubious interpretations to run down the judiciary.
Addressing the valedictory function of the two-day Constitution Day celebrations organised by the Supreme Court, Kovind said in Indian tradition, judges are imagined as a model of rectitude and detachment, more akin to “sthitpragya” (a person of steady wisdom).
Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana, in his address, said the legislature does not conduct studies or assess the impact of the laws that it passes, which sometimes leads to “big issues” and result in over-burdening of cases on the judiciary.
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said one cannot be in a situation where it becomes difficult to implement the laws passed by the legislature and the verdicts delivered by the judiciary.
The president said, “We have a rich history of legions of such judges known for their utterances full of sagacity and conduct beyond reproach, which have become hallmarks for the future generations.” He said he is happy to note that the Indian judiciary has been adhering to those highest standards.
“There is no doubt that you have set for yourself a high bar. Hence, it is also incumbent upon the judges to exercise utmost discretion in the utterances in courtrooms. Indiscreet remarks, even if made with good intentions, give space for dubious interpretations to run down the judiciary,” Kovind said.
The president, who was speaking in the presence of the CJI, the Union law minister and other judges, said in people’s view, the judiciary is the most trusted institution. He also expressed anguish at the remarks made against judges on social media platforms.
“It pains me to no end, therefore, to note that of late, there have been cases of some disparaging remarks against the judiciary made on social media platforms.
These platforms have worked wonderfully to democratise information, yet they have a dark side too. The anonymity granted by them is exploited by some miscreants. I hope this is an aberration and it will be short-lived,” Kovind said.