In a remarkable display of global judicial camaraderie, the Chief Justices of Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Mauritius, along with a Supreme Court judge from Nepal, joined Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on the bench on Wednesday to observe Supreme Court proceedings for a brief period.

Welcoming the international guests, CJI Surya Kant described their presence as a “historic event.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also conveyed greetings on behalf of the Union Government.

Among those present in the courtroom were Bhutan’s Chief Justice Lyonpo Norbu Tshering, Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome, Mauritius Chief Justice Rehana Bibi Mungly-Gulbul, Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Padman Surasena, and Justice Sapna Pradhan Malla of the Nepal Supreme Court. Tan Sri Datuk Nalini Pathmanathan from Malaysia’s Federal Court and Justices Thurairaja PC and A H M D Nawaz of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court were also in attendance.

Kenya’s Chief Justice expressed admiration for Indian judicial precedents, noting that Kenyan courts rely extensively on decisions of the Supreme Court of India. She conveyed greetings from Kenya and emphasised continued collaboration to strengthen the rule of law.

The Chief Justice of Mauritius highlighted that Indian jurisprudence serves as a significant source of guidance for her country’s judiciary. Recalling former CJI B.R. Gavai’s lecture in Mauritius, she expressed delight in participating in the ceremony and congratulated CJI Surya Kant.

Bhutan’s Chief Justice praised India’s constitutional journey, referring to its 106 amendments and calling the document “the finest,” designed to “uplift humanity.” He noted India’s unity in diversity and equal voting rights as symbols of its democratic resilience. On a humorous note, he remarked that he saw more lawyers in the courtroom than in his entire city.

Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice said it was a “deep honour” to witness the occasion, adding that India and Sri Lanka share strong legal and historical foundations — “same traditions, same systems, same advocacy.”

The visiting judge from Nepal lauded the rapid digital transformation of India’s judiciary, describing the pace of reforms as “inspiring.” She noted that this was the first time the Indian judiciary had directly invited Nepal for such an event, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

Earlier, the dignitaries were felicitated at the Constitution Day event hosted by the Supreme Court Bar Association, where SCBA President Vikas Singh welcomed them. They also attended the swearing-in ceremony of CJI Surya Kant on November 24.