“Stay Polite,” Chief Justice Urges Judges

By Sulagna Halder

New Delhi, 6 July 2025:

Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, has advised judges to be courteous during court proceedings, noting that being courteous lowers "everyone's blood pressure”.

He emphasised that judicial conduct should be free from personal bias and social or political pressure when speaking to judges during the Supreme Court's diamond jubilee celebrations. Chandrachud emphasised that judicial independence must include individual judges' autonomy in addition to institutional separation. He argued for continuous efforts "to unlearn their subconscious attitudes" rooted in social conditioning, saying: "The art of judging must be free from social and political pressure and from the inherent biases which human beings hold."

The Chief Justice emphasised how judicial conduct affects public opinion, saying that "remaining polite" was more than just a matter of etiquette; it also served to ease courtroom tension and foster confidence in the legal system. Judges can help participants feel less stressed and bolster public trust in the judiciary by modeling polite conversation. Chandrachud also emphasised the necessity of judicial structural reforms. He advocated for reexamining customary lengthy court vacations and experimenting with "flexitime" arrangements in order to address case backlogs and the culture of delays. He called for a shift from routine adjournments to a professional culture that prioritises prompt justice.

He added that it is becoming increasingly important to increase the judiciary's impartiality and accessibility. In an effort to promote inclusivity and update court facilities, the Supreme Court recently established gender neutral restrooms, ramp access for the disabled, and a cafe operated by people with disabilities. The importance of his message was increased by the presence of a special bench of Chief Justices and senior judges during the speech. The tone expressed a larger dedication to striking a balance between procedural efficiency, humaneness, and judicial independence.

A deeper judicial philosophy, that the legal system must be open, equitable, and considerate of human values, is reflected in Chandrachud's recommendations. He emphasised that empathy and respect in the courtroom are essential to maintaining judicial dignity, public trust, and the rule of law by calling for "politeness." The Chief Justice's comments have struck a chord with many civic organisations and legal experts. Many people believe that his message will lead to both judicial process reforms and a more compassionate, thoughtful judiciary, where behavior, demeanor, and empathy uphold both justice and compassion. 

Chandrachud reiterated in these remarks that both intellectual rigor and civility are necessary for judicial excellence.