Chief Justice Surya Kant: Balancing Justice with Empathy at India’s Supreme Court
November 30, 2025
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant took oath on November 24 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a journey from his village in Haryana to the highest judiciary post. He emphasizes that justice is a "profoundly human enterprise" that machines cannot replace. Despite cases worth crores demanding attention, he insists on focusing on the "smallest litigant in the last row." While the Supreme Court adopts more technology, he reminds that empathy is key.
Justice Kant’s approach is measured and steady. His remarks on former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s case in 2022 showed sharpness: “this lady is single-handedly responsible for what is happening in the country.” Yet, he later ordered no coercive action against her. He also reversed an earlier bail decision in the Lakhimpur Kheri case but granted interim relief to accused Ashish Mishra and some farmers.
Known for asking tough questions, he probed government use of spyware in the Pegasus case and later questioned petitioners on national security. Justice Kant has reviewed sedition laws, once suspending them, then questioning newer provisions, emphasizing "mere dissent cannot endanger sovereignty."
He treats free speech carefully, granting bail to academician Ali Khan Mahmudabad but forming a Special Investigation Team to explore his social media posts' meanings. He seeks balance, also ordering investigation into a BJP leader’s remarks he called “crass, thoughtless.”
Beyond laws, Justice Kant works on practical solutions, aiding farmer protests, advising states on health sector guidelines, and mediating financial aid for Kerala. He insists actions against politicians must match the level of obstruction caused.
He supports transparency, such as in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision, allowing judicial review for delays. His balanced approach contrasts with political divides, facing pressure to oppose or favor government decisions.
Recalling his first case involving children caught in a cross-border custody battle, he said justice must protect the innocent "lost in storms of circumstance." With his term until February 2027, Chief Justice Surya Kant aims to uphold this ideal for all Indians.
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Chief Justice Surya Kant
Supreme court
Indian judiciary
Justice system
Legal Reforms
Free speech
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