Judges and Their Role in Upholding Ethical Standards: A Reflection on Speeches at the House of Lords
Judges are seen as the custodians of justice and fairness. Their words and actions, especially in public forums, must always reflect the core principles of justice and equality
On September 18, 2024, two distinguished Indian judges—Justice Ashok Jain of the Rajasthan High Court and Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court—addressed an exclusive gathering at the historic Atlee Room, House of Lords. This event, held under the banner of the Global Prestige Awards, brought together notable global leaders, policymakers, and scholars. Notably, the invitation to this event was extended by Lord Rami Ranger CBE, House of Lords, and was not an official invitation from the British Government.
While Justice Ashok Jain's speech centered on Access to Justice, which is deeply aligned with his judicial role, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav's address sparked concern due to its politically influenced nature. The occasion highlights an essential aspect of judicial ethics—judges must remain neutral, focusing solely on justice and equality in both their public and professional lives.
Justice Ashok Jain: Advocating for Access to Justice
Justice Ashok Jain is well-known for his tireless work on expanding Access to Justice, particularly for marginalized communities. His speech, delivered in both Hindi and English, reflected his commitment to judicial fairness and equality. Justice Jain focused on the role of the judiciary in ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of social or economic status.
He emphasized that justice must be affordable and that legal reforms should aim to remove barriers that prevent the underprivileged from receiving adequate legal support. Justice Jain’s speech was widely appreciated for its relevance to the global legal community and its clear alignment with his judicial duties.
By focusing on core judicial responsibilities, Justice Jain showcased how a judge can use public platforms to advocate for meaningful reform while remaining impartial and maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav: A Cautionary Tale on Political Remarks
In contrast to Justice Ashok Jain’s legal and justice-centered speech, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav’s address veered into politically motivated territory. His speech, which touched upon broader social and cultural issues, sparked concerns about the importance of judicial neutrality. It is reported that Justice Yadav's invitation to the event was at his own request, possibly due to personal reasons, including his son’s presence in the UK.
This raises important questions about the ethical boundaries judges must maintain, particularly when addressing global forums. Judges are expected to avoid making remarks that could be perceived as political or ideological. Their speeches should focus on issues related to law, justice, and equality—principles central to their judicial duties.
Public remarks that appear politically motivated can compromise the public's trust in the judiciary’s impartiality. Justice Shekhar’s speech, by focusing on topics outside the judicial realm, drew criticism for diverting from the core judicial values of fairness and equality. Judges, as key figures in upholding democracy, must always remain impartial, ensuring that their actions and statements align with their role as neutral arbiters of justice.
Why Judicial Neutrality is Essential
The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining societal balance. One of the most important tenets of judicial ethics is impartiality. Judges must remain unbiased and avoid public statements or actions that may be construed as political or ideological. Public trust in the judiciary is built on the perception that judges are fair, neutral, and focused on ensuring justice for all.
Judges occupy a unique position in society. Their words and actions carry significant weight, both in legal proceedings and in public life. Ethical standards require that judges refrain from making political comments or engaging in debates that could undermine their neutrality. This is especially important when addressing international platforms where their words are subject to global scrutiny.
Conclusion: Upholding the Dignity of the Judiciary
Judges are seen as the custodians of justice and fairness. Their words and actions, especially in public forums, must always reflect the core principles of justice and equality, free from political bias. In a world where public perception matters, the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democracy must remain untarnished by any political or personal agendas.
By adhering to these ethical standards, judges can continue to inspire confidence and uphold the integrity of the judicial system, ensuring that justice remains the guiding principle of their work both inside and outside the courtroom
- Special Correspondent
