Supreme Court Flags Trend of Judges Passing Multiple Orders Before Retirement, Calls It ‘Hitting Sixes in Final Overs’
CJI Surya Kant Warns Against Judicial Overreach in Pre-Retirement Order Spree
Court Says Credibility and Integrity Must Guide Judges till Last Day in Office
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 18, 2025:
The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over a growing trend among judges to pass a flurry of orders just before retirement. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while hearing a case involving a suspended Madhya Pradesh district judge, compared this practice to a cricket batter “hitting sixes in the final overs.” The remark has sparked debate in legal circles about judicial accountability, integrity, and the perception of justice.
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Background of the Case
- The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by a principal district judge from Madhya Pradesh, who was suspended just ten days before his retirement.
- The suspension was linked to questionable judicial orders passed in the final days of his service.
- The bench, headed by CJI Surya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, observed that such practices are an “unfortunate trend” in the judiciary.
Key Observations by the Supreme Court
- Judicial credibility at stake: Passing numerous or controversial orders in the final days of service can raise doubts about motives.
- Comparison with cricket: The CJI likened the practice to a batter hitting sixes in the last over, suggesting it may be done for impact rather than substance.
- Warning against misuse: The Court hinted that some judges may pass orders for extraneous considerations, which could tarnish the judiciary’s image.
- Need for restraint: Judges must maintain the same standards of integrity and fairness until their last day in office.
Why This Matters
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- Public trust: Judicial credibility depends on consistency and impartiality. Sudden bursts of orders before retirement can erode trust.
- Legal certainty: Multiple last-minute rulings may create confusion and instability in the legal system.
- Accountability: The ruling highlights the need for stronger mechanisms to ensure judges remain accountable throughout their tenure.
Reactions from Legal Experts
- Support for CJI’s remarks: Many legal experts agree that the judiciary must avoid practices that raise suspicion about motives.
- Concerns about judicial independence: Some argue that suspending judges close to retirement may discourage bold decisions.
- Call for reforms: Suggestions include better monitoring of judicial conduct, transparent evaluation systems, and stronger ethics guidelines.
Broader Implications
- For Judges: The ruling serves as a reminder that judicial responsibility does not end until retirement.
- For Courts: High courts may need to scrutinize pre-retirement orders more carefully.
- For Society: The debate reinforces the importance of judicial integrity in maintaining democracy and rule of law.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s warning against judges passing numerous orders before retirement highlights a critical issue in India’s judicial system. By likening the practice to “hitting sixes in the final overs,” the Court has drawn attention to the need for restraint, integrity, and accountability in judicial conduct. As India’s judiciary continues to evolve, ensuring credibility until the very last day of service will remain essential for maintaining public trust in the justice system.
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