CJI Surya Kant Calls for Simpler Judgments to Bring Justice Closer to People
CJI Urges Courts to Use Simple Language, Says Complex Judgments Distance People from Justice: Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has called upon the judiciary to reduce the use of overly complex and technical legal language, stressing that unclear judgments create a gap between the justice system and the common citizen. He said court decisions must be written in clear, simple, and understandable language so that people can easily grasp their rights and responsibilities.
Addressing the West Zone Regional Conference on Saturday, the Chief Justice said that justice loses its true meaning if it is not easily understood by those for whom it is delivered. Citing a report by Live Law, Justice Surya Kant emphasized that judicial orders are not mere academic exercises but decisions that directly affect the lives of ordinary people.
He pointed out that varying language and structure in court judgments often leave litigants confused, even after winning their cases. “There are many instances where people do not fully understand the relief granted to them because the language used in court orders is too technical, vague, and complex,” he said.
Justice Surya Kant stressed that uniformity in judicial writing is essential to ensure clarity, consistency, and trust in the justice system. He said judgments should clearly present arguments in fewer words and clearly spell out the operative directions of the court, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Highlighting the role of technology, the Chief Justice said its real value lies not in complexity but in making justice more accessible. He noted that modern tools can help simplify judgments and enable instant translations into multiple languages, allowing a wider section of society to understand court decisions and assess their fairness.
The CJI also emphasized that clarity must extend beyond language to the substance of judgments. He suggested that cases involving similar legal issues should be grouped together to avoid conflicting rulings. Referring to a past land acquisition matter, he recalled how three different High Court benches delivered differing verdicts on the same issue, creating confusion among petitioners regarding their rights.
Justice Surya Kant concluded by urging judges to adopt a more citizen-centric approach in judicial writing, stating that clear, consistent, and accessible judgments are fundamental to strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
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