The immense institutional weight and continuous public scrutiny bearing down on the highest judicial chair in India formed the core theme of an address by National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice (Retd) V. Ramasubramanian. Speaking at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant presiding as the chief guest, the commission head highlighted the ceaseless trials faced by anyone leading the country's judiciary.
The Delicate and Influential Nature of the Top Post
Addressing the gathering, the commission chairman remarked that the office of the Chief Justice of India has evolved into the most consequential, influential, vibrant, and extraordinarily sensitive position across the nation. Handling this constitutional mantle requires navigating competing expectations and maintaining unwavering integrity amidst intense scrutiny from various quarters.
“The office of the Chief Justice of India requires the person holding it to endure a trial by fire every day, even every minute.”
Adding a sharp observation to his assessment, Justice Ramasubramanian noted that those attempting to subject the head of the judiciary to such tests do not necessarily act with genuine motives each time. While he refrained from elaborating further on this remark, it was made against the backdrop of an earlier development involving political leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, whose request for an audience to submit a memorandum regarding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was turned down by the Chief Justice.
Gratitude Amid a Demanding Schedule
The commission head expressed deep appreciation to Chief Justice Surya Kant for taking out time from his packed calendar to grace the annual event. He remarked in a lighter vein that given a choice, the Chief Justice might have even welcomed staying longer away from the pressures of work, drawing warm and genial reactions from both the audience and the presiding judge.
Commemorating Over Three Decades of Rights Advocacy
The event marked the 33rd Foundation Day of the National Human Rights Commission, which was established on 12 October 1993. Reflecting on this thirty-three-year institutional milestone, the commission chairperson praised its steady contribution toward safeguarding constitutional protections, empowering citizens, and reinforcing human rights safeguards across the country.
