New Delhi | June 9, 2025
In a strong affirmation of the judiciary’s role as the guardian of constitutional values, Justice Surya Kant, senior judge of the Supreme Court and the next in line to become Chief Justice of India, emphasized that India’s judiciary has consistently acted as a unifying force, bridging the country’s diverse socio-cultural landscape with its democratic ideals.
Judiciary as a Unifying Institution
Speaking at a legal conference in New Delhi, Justice Surya Kant highlighted the unique responsibility entrusted to the judiciary in a country as diverse as India.
“In a nation where differences in language, religion, caste, and culture are vast, it is the judiciary that acts as the constitutional glue. It doesn’t merely adjudicate disputes it upholds the democratic fabric that holds us together,” he said.
He pointed out that courts have not only interpreted laws but have also breathed life into constitutional principles, ensuring that equity, liberty, and secularism are more than just words on paper.
Commitment to Constitutional Values
Justice Kant stressed that India’s constitutional vision is dynamic not rigid and its successful implementation depends on the judiciary’s adaptability and sensitivity to the needs of changing times.
He cited the court’s role in preserving federalism, protecting minority rights, and ensuring gender and social justice through a rights-based approach as examples of how the judiciary continues to strengthen democratic governance.
Legacy of Judgments and Legal Reforms
Justice Surya Kant, known for his progressive legal outlook, was part of landmark benches that dealt with:
• Constitutional scrutiny of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, where he upheld the balance between the Assam Accord and the rights of migrants and citizens.
• Multiple rulings reinforcing personal liberty, procedural fairness, and the inviolability of constitutional morality.
These decisions reflect his approach of aligning judicial review with social justice, while remaining rooted in India’s constitutional ethos.
Justice Surya Kant is expected to take over as the 53rd Chief Justice of India in November 2025, succeeding Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. His remarks come at a critical juncture, as India continues to navigate complex challenges involving federal tensions, social inequalities, and democratic accountability.
His vision for the judiciary is one of inclusion, responsiveness, and balance, where courts act as “facilitators of dialogue” rather than mere interpreters of the law.
