Supreme Court judge flags need for performance evaluation mechanism for judges

Supreme Court judge, Justice Surya Kant. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Supreme Court judge, Justice Surya Kant, on Monday (September 22, 2025) highlighted the necessity of putting in place a “performance evaluation” mechanism for judges, with specific parameters and guidelines, to gauge and steer workflow on the Bench.

Justice Kant, who is next in line to be the Chief Justice of India on retirement of incumbent Chief Justice B.R. Gavai on November 24, said he was not trying to be a “school principal” but underscored the value of introspection in every institution.

The remarks of the judge came while hearing a petition seeking bail in a murder case from Jharkhand.

“There are judges who work day in and day out. Their disposal rate is outstanding. Unfortunately, there are judges who cannot deliver for reasons good or bad. We do not know. That depends on the circumstances,” Justice Kant noted

The judge pointed out the disposal rate for criminal appeals were different from bail cases. Disposing one criminal appeal a day after extensive hearing cannot be used as a parameter for deciding on bail pleas.

“Judges must know what is the task before them and must deliver. This is the legitimate expectation of the public at large,” Justice Kant said.

Justice Kant said every jurist must self-evaluate. Cases cannot be allowed to pile up. Adjournments cannot be a solution. Constant adjournments were demoralising, and even dangerous. He obliquely referred to judges whose names became synonymous with adjournments.

The senior Supreme Court judge’s remarks come at a time when the judiciary is burdened with a heavy workload and high pendency. The apex court pendency is currently a little over 88,000.

Published – September 22, 2025 07:50 pm IST

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