Transforming system requires transcendence of personal ambitions: CJI Misra

It's been nearly 7 months since the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, broke his silence on the allegations made against him by his fellow judges in the Supreme Court in that unprecedented press conference. 

On the occasion of India's 72nd independence day celebrations at the Supreme Court, CJI Dipak Misra said, "There may be some elements who may endeavour to weaken the institution... to criticize, attack and destroy the system is quite easy. What is difficult and challenging is to transform it into a performing one."

Earlier this year on January 4, senior judges of the apex court came and spoke to the press, an event never seen in the history. They told everyone that the sentiment of uneasiness in the top court was because some cases have "far-reaching consequences for the nation", a case where cases were being assigned to selective benches. 

While everyone waited for CJI Dipak Misra's response to the scathing allegations, he chose to keep mum and move on with his work. Even when an impeachment motion was moved against him, the retort measured in silence.

As some may see this as CJI Dipak Misra exercising his right to the freedom of speech or a well-thought-out retort, the wait has been longer than expected from the man holding the highest judicial office. 

He concluded his speech by saying, "Constructive steps need to be taken with a positive mindset. Concrete reforms must be undertaken with rationality, maturity, responsibility, and composure. It is necessary to be productive instead of being counter-productive. Then only the institution can go to greater heights". 

The CJI also noted that one must transcend personal ambitions and grievances to enhance the performance of the judiciary.