CJI Gavai flags ethical concerns over judges entering politics post-retirement, says, ‘attempt to gain favour with govt’

Chief Justice BR Gavai has voiced significant ethical concerns regarding the transition of judges into political roles after retirement. Speaking at a recent judiciary conference, he emphasized the potential implications of such moves, suggesting that judges might be tempted to align their decisions with governmental preferences to secure future positions. This, he warned, could undermine the integrity and impartiality of judicial proceedings, eroding public trust in the judiciary. The Chief Justice pointed out that the judiciary must remain insulated from political influences to uphold its foundational role in a democracy. Judges accepting government positions post-retirement could create a perception of bias, where judicial decisions are swayed by political aspirations rather than legal principles. He stressed the importance of maintaining a clear separation between the judiciary and the executive to preserve the credibility of judicial outcomes. While acknowledging the valuable contributions retired judges can make in various capacities, CJI Gavai called for a robust framework to address these ethical dilemmas. He proposed considering guidelines or restrictions on post-retirement roles for judges to prevent any conflict of interest. This, he believes, would ensure that the judiciary remains a bulwark of fairness and justice, free from undue influence and dedicated solely to upholding the rule of law.

— Authored by Next24 Live