Supreme Court judge, Justice Dipankar Datta, expressed his dismay on Wednesday over criticisms directed at judges for allegedly working limited hours, despite their extensive efforts and demanding schedules. His remarks came during a hearing on the plea for interim bail by former Jharkhand Chief Minister Heman Soren in a money laundering case.
The bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma, addressed the issue by referring to an article that had criticized judicial officers for their purportedly short working hours. Justice Datta voiced his concern, stating, “It is very unfortunate that despite the efforts being put in by judges, it is said that judicial officers are working for very few hours.” He emphasized the dedication of judges, noting that they often “burn the midnight oil” even during vacations to manage their caseloads.
Justice Datta also highlighted the frequent delays in case filings, pointing out that it is rare to encounter cases submitted within the designated time frames. This, he suggested, contributes to the perception of limited working hours, as judges continually deal with backlogged and late submissions.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported Justice Datta’s sentiments, asserting that the Indian judiciary is unparalleled globally in terms of its workload. “It is the only court in the world that works this much,” Mehta stated, underscoring the immense pressure faced by Indian judges. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal echoed this view, describing the Indian Supreme Court as “one of the most overworked courts in the world.”
The context of the remarks was a request by Sibal, who, while withdrawing his petition, urged the Supreme Court to ensure that if the matter was taken to the High Court, it would be expedited. The bench acknowledged the difficulties in managing the workflow and the business of High Courts, which are also inundated with cases.
This discussion highlights a broader issue within the Indian judicial system: the overwhelming workload and the consequent delays in case resolutions. The remarks by Justice Datta, supported by Solicitor General Mehta and Senior Advocate Sibal, draw attention to the critical need for systemic reforms to address these challenges.
As the judiciary continues to navigate its heavy docket, these insights shows the commitment of judges to their roles, despite public misconceptions about their work hours.
