Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has underscored that judicial leadership weakens when judges project an image of perfection rather than embracing humility and continuous learning.
Delivering the inaugural address at the 11th Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute in New Delhi, the CJI observed that elevation to the Bench does not make a judge a “finished product.” He stressed that the true strength of the judiciary lies not in claims of infallibility, but in a consistent willingness to introspect, adapt and improve.
Justice Kant cautioned that portraying judges as flawless authorities can hinder institutional growth. According to him, meaningful judicial leadership requires openness to new ideas and the courage to recognise one’s own limitations. He noted that intellectual humility not only enhances judicial credibility but also strengthens public trust in courts.
Referring to the ancient Indian maxim “Vidya dadati vinayam” meaning knowledge fosters humility, the CJI said that education must nurture modesty and self-awareness. He remarked that the most respected jurists in history combined deep scholarship with an awareness of their own fallibility.
The conference, themed around strengthening judicial leadership through education, brought together members of the Commonwealth judicial fraternity to reflect on contemporary challenges. Justice Kant highlighted the need for judges to remain faithful to precedent while also responding thoughtfully to evolving social realities in a rapidly changing world.
He described the Commonwealth judicial education network as an important platform that encourages dialogue across borders while respecting the diversity of legal systems among member nations. Such engagement, he said, builds institutional resilience and shared learning without diluting local legal traditions.
During his address, the CJI proposed exploring the creation of a Commonwealth-level apex forum to coordinate collaboration among leading legal bodies, including the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Commonwealth Legal Education Association and the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association. A structured mechanism, he suggested, could strengthen cooperation in areas such as doctrine, judicial training and best practices.
Justice Kant also emphasised the importance of involving younger members of the legal community in shaping the future of judicial institutions. Encouraging fresh perspectives, he said, would ensure that Commonwealth judicial structures remain responsive and future-ready.
The conference agenda covers a wide range of issues, including law and technology, environmental justice, judicial integrity, public confidence in courts, judicial wellness and the craft of writing clear, reasoned judgments. Concluding his remarks, the CJI urged participants to treat the gathering as an opportunity for collective learning aimed at reinforcing the foundations of judicial leadership across jurisdictions.
