Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has voiced serious concern over the growing trend of judges accepting government appointments—often ceremonial or sinecure roles—or entering politics, including contesting elections shortly after retirement. He warned that such practices risk eroding public trust in the judiciary.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, CJI Gavai remarked that post-retirement positions aligning former judges with the ruling government can give rise to a perception that their judicial decisions may have been influenced by the anticipation of future political or governmental appointments.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining judicial integrity, CJI Gavai noted that he, along with many of his fellow judges, has publicly pledged not to accept any post-retirement roles or appointments. “This commitment is an effort to preserve the credibility and independence of the judiciary,” he stated, during his address on the topic “Maintaining Judicial Legitimacy and Public Confidence.”
