Retiring Supreme Court judge Rajesh Bindal has observed that although judges decided cases strictly according to law, public perception of judicial independence was often based on whether the outcome favoured a particular party, especially in high-stakes matters.
Speaking at his farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Tuesday, Justice Bindal referred to remarks made earlier by former judge Justice Ajay Rastogi and noted that judges were often considered independent only when they ruled against the government.
He indicated that such a view was misplaced, as decisions were based on the law and the material on record, but reactions depended on who won or lost.
Justice Bindal highlighted that in a high-value or sensitive litigation, parties were used to praising the judiciary when the verdict came in their favour and criticising it when it was not.
Reflecting on his judicial approach, he said that judges should hear every case with an open mind and without being influenced by previous decisions. He added that he had tried to perform his duties to the best of his ability throughout his career.
He also spoke about several practical reforms introduced during his tenure, including digitisation of postmortem reports, integration of forensic laboratories with courts, and measures to address delays caused by missing records. These steps, he said, were aimed at improving efficiency in trials and investigations.
Justice Bindal noted that digitised systems helped courts continue functioning during disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
On the role of lawyers, he emphasised that advocates should focus on assisting courts in arriving at the correct legal conclusion rather than merely aiming to win cases, as incorrect rulings could have wider consequences for the legal system.
He also underlined the need to address institutional issues internally instead of raising them in public, noting that mechanisms exist within the judiciary to resolve concerns.
Justice Bindal cautioned that while artificial intelligence can support legal work, it also carries risks of misuse and must be handled carefully.
He concluded his address by expressing gratitude to the Bar, his colleagues, and court staff, stating that he was leaving the institution with a sense of satisfaction and positive memories from his career.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, speaking at the event, said that Justice Bindal’s experience across several High Courts and the Supreme Court gave him a broad understanding of different legal systems and practices in the country.
He highlighted Justice Bindal’s contributions to improving court systems, including the development of software for medico-legal and postmortem reports, which was later adopted more widely, and steps taken to strengthen record management and infrastructure.
Referring to his judgments, the Chief Justice mentioned decisions emphasising that a child cannot be treated as property in custody disputes, ensuring direct transfer of compensation to victims in motor accident cases, and reinforcing the principle that all persons are equal before the law.
The Chief Justice noted that Justice Bindal’s legacy lay both in his judgments and in his efforts to strengthen institutional processes. He also referred to his caution against the use of AI-generated fake legal citations, stressing that while technology can assist courts, it cannot replace proper preparation and professional integrity.
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