Supreme Court Judges Should Respect Precedent, Not Just Their Colleagues

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In a recent address to the International Convention on the Independence of the Judiciary, Supreme Court Judge B V Nagarathna emphasized the importance of respecting established court decisions. She stressed that judges should not overturn previous verdicts solely because new judges have taken their place. Instead, they should uphold the principle of finality in judgments, which not only prevents endless litigation but also maintains public trust in the judiciary. Nagarathna highlighted that the judiciary plays a vital role in the country's governance, frequently making decisions on a wide range of issues affecting Indians. To maintain its integrity, the judiciary must protect its independence, not just through written judgments but also through the personal conduct of its members. This includes avoiding behavior that could be perceived as biased or politically motivated, which is essential for an impartial judicial system. The Supreme Court has recently expressed concern over a growing trend of judgments being overturned, which undermines the institution's credibility and the rule of law.