New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, just a day after taking office, made a significant announcement regarding case listings. He stated that no oral submissions would be permitted for urgent case hearings, and lawyers must now submit their requests through emails or written letters, clearly outlining the reasons for urgency. This change is expected to streamline the judicial process.
The new policy aims to reduce the number of last-minute submissions and improve the efficiency of case management in the Supreme Court. This move marks a departure from the usual practice, where lawyers often sought out-of-turn hearings by mentioning their cases at the beginning of court sessions.
In his first public statement as CJI, Khanna emphasized the judiciary’s duty to ensure equal access to justice for all citizens, regardless of their social standing or financial resources. He stressed that the judiciary’s core principles include fairness and unbiased adjudication, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Justice Khanna also highlighted the vital role of the judiciary in protecting the Constitution and fundamental rights, describing it as an independent yet integral part of governance. He expressed his honor in leading the judicial system, underlining its responsibility in delivering justice impartially.
