Fight truth decay, judiciary should not be completely aloof: 7 things Chief Justice of Singapore Sundaresh Menon said

Chief Justice of Singapore (CJS) Sundaresh Menon delivered the first annual lecture on the topic The Role of the Judiciary in a Changing World, on the occasion of the first observance of the foundation day of the Supreme Court of India..Here are 8 salient highlights from his address, which outlined his vision for a future-ready judiciary:.1. Truth decay in courtroomsCJS Menon stressed that truth was the foundation of justice systems, yet truth decay has been finding its way into courtrooms. He said,"Like advocates concealing facts, if truth decay is not controlled, then voice of the judges will become another voice in the clamour of opinions and that is why often it is said that some judgment by a judge is a reflection of their personal opinion. Truth decay lead to destruction of trust in the judicial system.".2. Judiciary needs legitimacy, ability to grasp issues world is facingChief Justice Menon said that even though the judiciary may not be equipped to handle some of the problems the world is facing, it should be ready to grasp the same."When judiciary functions well, it acts as a glue to hold the parts together. Judiciary needs legitimacy to function well and it needs public confidence. Gaining that confidence requires a lot of work; Does the public believe we only exist to serve the wealthy or that we are here to serve justice?".3. Global challenges will give rise to new legal issuesCJS Menon explained that new global challenges will be political first, but will also have a legal dimension."We can expect such disputes to be complex and time-consuming. Advancement of science can turn issues like the state of mind into the area of psychiatry...we are sure to encounter new legal issues like crypto currency...judges will need to be sensitive to the development of other jurisprudence to be fully aware and impart justice.".4. Judiciary should not be completely aloofHe said that the separation of powers doctrine should not totally preclude judges from expressing their views on issues."It was always said that judges hold themselves aloof from the general public to be in the line of separation of powers, but this does not mean judiciary should be completely aloof. While judges speak through judgments, it is no problem if the judges engage with a view to make people aware of the judicial work; we should adopt a systemic perspective of the judicial role. From our own perspective of judges, we need to be active participant in the evolution of justice system than be a mere passenger.".5. International judicial engagement"Gone are the days when courts used to function in jurisdictional silos. International judicial engagement is needed, judicial diplomacy is needed which has formal and informal collaboration. We should work towards development of transnational justice system.".6. Taking the assistance of technologyCJS Menon stressed that even as courts remain impartial, they must remain assistive towards court users. This can be achieved through technology, he said."We should pay attention to vast potential of technology to discharge the assistive technology. Divorce e-service in our family courts allows self-representation in cases we can constantly pursue innovation in imparting justice.".7. Judges need to upgrade skills and keep training"The historical view that there is no training needed for judges and that they are prepared during appointment is discarded, and now we know enhancing skills on individual basis is not the solution."He added that the judiciary has to invent radical ways to downsize disputes..Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and the Supreme Court Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph also spoke on the occasion.In his speech, the CJI stressed that courts must apply a precautionary approach and the principle of sustainable development in line with the public trust doctrine..[Follow our coverage of the event]