Retiring Supreme Court judge Rajesh Bindal has said that while judges decided cases according to law, the judiciary was often assessed based on whether the verdict favoured a particular party, especially in high-stakes matters.
Speaking at his farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Wednesday, he referred to views earlier expressed by former judge Ajay Rastogi, indicating that judges were often seen as independent only when they ruled against the government.
Terming this perception as flawed, Justice Bindal said the decisions were based on law and the material on record, while public reactions often relied on the outcome of the case.
He observed that in high-value litigation, parties typically expressed confidence in the judiciary when decisions were in their favour and criticised it when the judgments went against them.
He advised judges to approach every case with an open mind and decide matters without being influenced by earlier rulings. Reflecting on his tenure, he stated that he had tried to perform his duties to the best of his ability in every role.
The retiring judge also highlighted several reforms undertaken during his tenure, including the digitisation of postmortem reports, the integration of forensic laboratories with courts, and steps to reduce delays caused by missing records. These measures were aimed at improving efficiency in trial and investigation processes.
He noted that digitised systems helped the courts to function even during disruptions such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the period following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
On judicial functioning, Justice Bindal stressed that lawyers should focus on assisting courts in reaching correct legal conclusions rather than merely trying to win cases, as incorrect rulings could have wider consequences and affect public confidence in the system.
He also emphasised that issues within the judiciary should be addressed internally instead of being discussed publicly, noting that institutional mechanisms were available to resolve concerns.
Justice Bindal cautioned that while artificial intelligence can assist legal work, it can also be misused and must be handled carefully.
The retiring Apex Court judge thanked the Bar, his colleagues and court staff, and said he was leaving the institution with satisfaction and positive memories.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, speaking at the event, said that Justice Bindal’s experience across several High Courts and the Supreme Court gave him wide exposure to different judicial systems and practices in the country.
He highlighted Justice Bindal’s contributions to improving institutional processes, including the development of software for medico-legal and postmortem reports and efforts to strengthen record management and court infrastructure.
Referring to his judgments, the CJI noted decisions where Justice Bindal held that a child could not be treated as property in custody disputes, directed that compensation in motor accident cases be transferred directly to victims’ bank accounts, and reaffirmed the principle that all persons were equal before the law.
He observed that Justice Bindal’s contribution lay both in his judgments and in strengthening institutional systems, and also noted his caution against the use of AI-generated fake citations, stressing that technology could not replace preparation and professional integrity.