If we lose our credibility, nothing will be left of the judiciary: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan

Overview On January 24, 2026 , Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan delivered a significant address emphasizing the critical importance of judicial independence. He cautioned against any actions that could compromise the judiciary's credibility, stating that "if we lose our credibility, nothing will be left of the judiciary." His remarks underscore the necessity for judges to resist external pressures and uphold the principles of liberty and human rights. Key Developments Judicial Independence as a Basic Feature Justice Bhuyan highlighted that the independence of the judiciary is a non-negotiable basic feature of the Indian Constitution. He stressed that it is the responsibility of the judiciary to maintain its independence at all costs to ensure its continued relevance and legitimacy. The judge warned that losing credibility would render the judiciary soulless, even if its physical structures and personnel remained. Reference to the Collegium System The judge indirectly referred to the Supreme Court Collegium’s decision on October 14, 2025 , regarding the transfer of then Madhya Pradesh High Court judge, Justice Atul Sreedharan . The Collegium, headed by then Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai , had initially planned to transfer Justice Sreedharan to the Chhattisgarh High Court but changed its decision based on a “reconsideration sought by the government,” ultimately transferring him to the Allahabad High Court. Executive Influence on Judicial Transfers Justice Bhuyan expressed concern over the executive's influence on judicial transfers. He noted that when the Collegium itself acknowledges that a transfer is being made at the behest of the Central government, it indicates a significant intrusion of executive influence into a process that should be independent. He emphasized that the Centre should have no say in the transfer and posting of judges, as these are strictly internal matters of the judiciary. Upholding Constitutional Morality Justice Bhuyan stressed that Constitutional morality is the soul of governance, keeping democratic institutions in check from bulldozing liberty and justice. He quoted Caroline Kennedy’s statement about needing judges who stand erect against the political whims of the time. He also recalled the first Chief Justice of India, Harilal J. Kania’s exhortation for the court to remain aloof and firm from party politics. Implications and Analysis Erosion of Public Trust: The judge's warning about losing credibility highlights the critical importance of public trust in the judiciary. Any perception of bias or external influence can erode this trust, undermining the legitimacy of the courts. Separation of Powers: The discussion on judicial transfers underscores the importance of maintaining the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. Executive interference in judicial appointments and transfers can compromise the independence of the judiciary. Constitutional Values: The emphasis on Constitutional morality reinforces the idea that governance should be guided by the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that democratic institutions do not infringe upon individual liberties and justice. UPSC Relevance This news article is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly for GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) . It touches upon critical aspects of the Indian Constitution, the judiciary, and the separation of powers. The discussion on judicial independence and the Collegium system is particularly important for understanding the challenges and complexities of governance in India. Potential UPSC Questions Discuss the importance of judicial independence in a democratic society. How can judicial independence be safeguarded in the face of executive influence? Analyze the role of the Collegium system in maintaining judicial independence. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this system? Evaluate the concept of Constitutional morality and its relevance to governance in India. How does Constitutional morality help in preventing the abuse of power by democratic institutions?