Thu Dec 18 08:38:09 UTC 2025: News Article:
CJI Flags Growing Trend of Judges ‘Hitting Sixes’ Before Retirement Amid Suspension Case
New Delhi – Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has voiced concern over a rising trend of judges issuing a flurry of questionable orders just before their retirement, suggesting possible extraneous considerations. The remarks came during a Supreme Court hearing on a petition filed by a principal district judge from Madhya Pradesh, who was suspended just 10 days before his scheduled retirement.
The judge’s suspension is reportedly linked to two judicial orders he passed. CJI Surya Kant, leading a bench that included Justice Joymalya Bagchi, described the situation as an “unfortunate trend” of judges attempting to achieve too much as they approach the end of their careers.
While the Supreme Court acknowledged the officer’s good performance, they questioned why the judge had not initially challenged his suspension in the High Court. The judge’s counsel explained that he sought a hearing in the Supreme Court due to the full court decision involved.
The Supreme Court did not entertain the plea and directed the petitioner to approach the High Court. The court also expressed disapproval of the officer’s use of RTI to obtain the grounds for his suspension, suggesting he should have submitted a formal representation instead.
First Piper 