NEW DELHI – In a landmark decision aimed at fostering inclusivity, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has removed the law degree requirement for journalists seeking accreditation to report on the Supreme Court. This move is designed to diversify the pool of legal reporters, bringing in varied perspectives on the nation’s highest court.
“We are making two key changes,” CJI Chandrachud announced. “Just yesterday, I approved an initiative to extend accreditation opportunities for Supreme Court correspondents. Previously, there was a rule that journalists needed a law degree – we’ve now relaxed that requirement.”
Additionally, accredited journalists will now have access to on-premises parking facilities, easing logistical challenges and enabling more efficient coverage of judicial proceedings.
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Transformative Reforms Under CJI Chandrachud
Since taking office on November 9, 2022, CJI Chandrachud has spearheaded several initiatives to make the Supreme Court more accessible and efficient. His tenure has been marked by significant changes that highlight his commitment to a transparent and responsive judiciary.
Full Bench Capacity: The Supreme Court has consistently maintained a full bench of 34 judges under CJI Chandrachud’s leadership, enhancing its ability to address pending cases efficiently. This includes the recent addition of three judges to maintain this capacity.
Hybrid Hearings: The adoption of a hybrid system for in-person and virtual hearings has expedited the resolution of longstanding cases, improving overall case processing times.
Revamped Case Listings: The case listing process has been restructured to include a daily schedule of 10 transfer petitions and 10 bail applications per bench, streamlining judicial operations.
Specialized Hearing Days: Each day of the week is now dedicated to specific case types, such as criminal appeals or arbitration, ensuring focused attention on varied legal matters.
Digital Advancements: The launch of e-filing in May has seen nearly 10,000 cases filed online, significantly reducing reliance on physical paperwork.
High-Volume Petition Management: The Supreme Court currently processes around 5,500 letter petitions and 10,000 email petitions each month, all managed digitally for enhanced efficiency.
Transparency via NJDG: Through the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), the public now has access to case data, bolstering transparency and enabling better insights into judicial efficiency.
Gender Inclusivity Measures: The Supreme Court has launched a Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes to remove biased language in legal contexts. Additionally, universal restrooms for LGBTQIA+ individuals on the Supreme Court campus reflect a dedication to inclusivity.
Building a Judiciary for All
By loosening accreditation requirements, CJI Chandrachud reinforces his vision of a more inclusive judiciary. As he approaches the end of his term on November 8, his legacy of broadening access and fostering transparency will be remembered as a transformative period for India’s judicial system, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s pursuit of equity in the law.