A judge must not worry about who gets hurt by a verdict : Justice Abhay Oka

Candid farewell remarks by retiring Supreme Court Justice Abhay Oka

New Delhi – “A judge should not concern themselves with who might be hurt by their verdict. Judges must be firm and unflinching. I was always strict for one reason alone — to uphold the principles laid down by the Constitution,” said Supreme Court Justice Abhay Oka in a farewell address on May 23. Justice Oka retired the following day, May 24. His remarks were made during a farewell ceremony organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association, attended by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice A.G. Masih.

Key points from Justice Oka’s farewell address :

“The Supreme Court has not lived up to citizens’ expectations”

“On January 28, 2025, the Supreme Court completed 75 years. Rather than celebration, what was needed was introspection. While no one can deny the Court’s contributions, in my personal opinion, the Supreme Court has fallen short of fulfilling the expectations of Indian citizens.”

“Efforts needed to clear pending cases”

“Though we have approved a strength of 34 judges, we are still unable to resolve the backlog of cases. Both the Bar and the Bench must work together to expedite the process.”

“A Chief Justice-centric institution”

“Given its structure, with judges from across the country, the Supreme Court still functions in a manner overly centered around the Chief Justice. This perception must change.”

“Lower courts have been neglected”

“High Courts function more democratically, with an administrative committee of five senior judges. However, both the Supreme Court and High Courts have failed to give due attention to subordinate and district courts — the backbone of the judiciary.”

“I earnestly tried to uphold the Constitution”

“A great judge once told me, ‘Don’t become a judge to be popular.’ I followed that advice to the letter. That’s why I was sometimes seen as harsh. But I was simply trying to uphold the Constitution’s promise of safeguarding liberty. In doing so, I may have offended two lawyers — but my conscience is clear.”