Justice Surya Kant.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India-designate Justice Surya Kant on Saturday said his foremost priorities would be to reduce the pendency of the cases and focus on promoting mediation for resolution of disputes.
"My foremost agenda is to reduce arrears. Two things are my top priorities. The number of cases have crossed 90,000 in the Supreme Court at present. I must target reducing pendency depending on the optimal utilisation of judges. Mediation can be a key to solution,'' he said, in an informal interaction with reporters at his residence here.
Justice Kant also said, he would prioritise 30 year old cases, emphasising at the same time on setting up more constitutional bench matters.
"I would be setting up constitutional benches on priority to decide on such questions of law because of which high courts and lower courts are unable to make a decision," Justice Kant said.
He also stressed at mediation, saying it can be a game changer and a solution to most woes. "The entire country is talking about mediation today. Mediation has really picked up momentum. I think mediation is the need of the hour," he said.
With the government being the biggest litigator, Justice Kant said that he will try to persuade the government and its agencies to come forward for mediation.
With regard to the issue of social media trolling of SC judges, he said, he has never been under pressure at any point of time during his entire career due to social media trolls.
"I don't think a judge or CJI comes under pressure due to social media or 'unsocial media'. I never carry any burden of these people. Just ignore them. Just focus on work," he said.
On the issue of the centralisation of HC benches, he said, these are a bit sensitive issues and don't come in the jurisdiction of the court. Uttar Pradesh has the Lucknow bench with outstanding infrastructure but the bench strength is not enough, he pointed out.
On the issue of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Justice Surya Kant said that this was a grey area.
"We will have to look at the boundaries, how much AI we need into judicial process. We will take a holistic and comprehensive view and talk to the bar (advocates) in this regard,'' he said.
Justice Kant is set to assume charge as the 53rd CJI on Monday, November 24 on superannuation of incumbent Justice B R Gavai. He would demit office on February 9, 2027.