“Supreme Court Is CJI-Centric, Needs Change”: Justice Abhay Oka's Farewell Message Sparks Debate on Judicial Reforms
New Delhi | May 24, 2025: In a bold parting statement that could ignite long-overdue conversations around judicial reform, Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, who retired on Friday, said that India's apex court is too "Chief Justice-centric" and called for it to adopt a more democratic functioning model, akin to the country's High Courts.
“Time for Change”: Justice Oka’s Candid Assessment
Speaking at his farewell ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Justice Oka did not hold back in his assessment of how the top court functions.
“The High Courts function through committees, while the Supreme Court is Chief Justice of India-centric. It needs to change,” he said.
Justice Oka’s remarks underline growing concerns among legal scholars, lawyers, and civil society groups about concentration of administrative powers in the hands of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), particularly when it comes to allocation of cases, constitution of benches, and policy decisions.
Optimism Under CJI Gavai's Leadership
Justice Oka also struck a note of optimism, indicating that a transformation may already be underway under the new Chief Justice.
“You will see this change with the new CJI,” he said, referring to Chief Justice BR Gavai, who assumed office earlier this month and will serve until his retirement in November 2025.
Praising both his predecessor and the incumbent CJI, Justice Oka added,
“I am very happy that Justice Sanjiv Khanna (who retired on May 13) took us forward on the path of transparency. He took decisions taking every judge of the Supreme Court into confidence. Justice Gavai has democratic values in his blood.”
A Rare Public Critique of Judicial Functioning
Justice Oka’s comments are rare for a sitting Supreme Court judge, especially during a farewell, as judges traditionally avoid public critiques of institutional functioning. His observation resonates with long-standing arguments made by legal experts for collegiality in judicial administration, rather than leaving key decisions solely to the discretion of the Chief Justice.
Legal observers say this is not the first time such concerns have been raised, but Justice Oka’s parting words give them renewed urgency and legitimacy.
Who is Justice Abhay Oka?
Justice Oka, who began his career as an advocate in the Bombay High Court, was elevated as a judge in 2003. He later served as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in August 2021. Throughout his judicial career, he was known for landmark rulings in civil liberties, environmental law, and transparency in governance.
The Road Ahead for the Supreme Court
Justice Oka’s farewell remarks serve as a timely reminder of the urgent need for institutional reform at the highest levels of the Indian judiciary. With Chief Justice Gavai now at the helm, many will be watching closely to see whether the Supreme Court takes meaningful steps toward shared decision-making, transparency, and democratic governance.
If realized, such reforms could redefine how the apex court operates — not just internally, but in terms of public trust and accountability.
