Former CJI Gavai, Retired Judges Criticize SC Justice Bhuyan Over Judicial Propriety

Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and two retired Delhi High Court judges recently criticized sitting Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan in India for publicly commenting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, an issue currently pending before the apex court. Justice Bhuyan, while delivering a valedictory address at NALSAR University of Law, stated that any process leading to the disenfranchisement of millions would be "intrinsically arbitrary" and a "negation" of the constitutional order, further asserting that the Constitution does not contemplate a distinction between citizens with and without voting rights. This public commentary drew sharp rebuke from former CJI Gavai, who emphasized that judicial propriety bars a sitting Supreme Court judge from making remarks on a matter pending before the court, a sentiment echoed by retired Justices SN Dhingra and RS Sodhi.