New Delhi, June 4, 2025 

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Tuesday expressed concern over the recent media portrayal of his remarks regarding “fragile egos” of judges, stating that the comment was quoted out of context and did not reflect his intent to criticize the judiciary or any specific judge.

The clarification came during open court proceedings while hearing a matter related to judicial accountability and institutional discipline. CJI Gavai acknowledged the importance of freedom of press but underscored the responsibility of accurate and contextual reporting on sensitive judicial observations.

“Remarks made in a lighter vein or with a broader institutional message should not be misconstrued to create doubt over the judiciary’s integrity,” the Chief Justice stated.

The Chief Justice had earlier mentioned the words “fragile egos” in response to arguments about transparency and open criticism of the judiciary. However, his clarification on Tuesday sought to dispel concerns that the statement was directed at any individual judge or aimed at diminishing the authority of the courts.

Legal experts noted that CJI Gavai’s statement aligns with a long-standing judicial principle — that judges must balance institutional dignity with public accountability, especially in an era of heightened media scrutiny.

This incident highlights ongoing conversations around the interpretation of judicial remarks, especially in an age where court proceedings and oral observations are widely reported in real-time across digital platforms.