Unaffected by criticism outside the court: CJI on row over his remarks

“I am a very tough person”, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Thursday, a comment that is significant given that it comes against the backdrop of a heated public debate over his oral observations on December 2 in a case concerning the custodial disappearance of Rohingya refugees that have been criticised by some academics and former jurists.

- Utkarsh Anand

The CJI added that he remains completely “unaffected” by criticism directed at him outside the courtroom. He said that judicial questioning in court is meant to “elicit answers” and test competing arguments.

“I can see this trend now. Everyone starts commenting on matters that are pending before us and what we observe in the court. We ask questions in the court to elicit answers from both sides...there are times when we create hypothetical situations too for understanding an issue,” the CJI remarked during a hearing.

‘But I am not affected by all this...on social media or otherwise. If anybody thinks, they can browbeat...they are wrong. I am a very tough person,” he added.