CJI DY Chandrachud calls for tackling of structural issues, urges conversation on long court vacations

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Sunday delivered a call to action and outlined challenges affecting the country's judiciary. .The CJI highlighted the urgency of tackling structural issues affecting the judiciary, including the backlog of cases, outdated procedures, and a culture of adjournments..Acknowledging the role of the district judiciary as the first point of contact for citizens seeking justice, the CJI stressed the importance of ensuring dignity within the system.The CJI was speaking at the inauguration of the Diamond Jubilee Year of the Supreme Court.."Our ability to remain relevant as an institution requires us to recognise challenges and begin difficult conversations," the CJI said, before outlining four structural issues affecting the judiciary and how to tackle them.Firstly, the CJI said, we must emerge out the adjournment culture to a culture of professionalism.Secondly, the CJI addressed the issue of lengthy oral arguments that often lead to interminable delays in judicial outcomes.In an effort to promote inclusivity within the legal profession, the CJI emphasized the necessity of providing a level playing field for first-generation lawyers, irrespective of gender or background.Finally, he urged a conversation on long vacations and whether alternatives such as flexitime for lawyers and judges was possible..As the Supreme Court enters its seventy-fifth year since its founding, the Chief Justice called for introspection, urging a renewal of commitment to upholding the Constitution both within and beyond the courtrooms