India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant has expressed deep concern about a growing trend of judges delivering controversial or questionable rulings shortly before retirement. Speaking during a Supreme Court hearing on a suspended district judge from Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Justice described the pattern as an “unfortunate judicial tendency.” The bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, was reviewing the judge’s suspension, which followed two disputed orders issued days before his scheduled retirement.

The Chief Justice noted that such actions undermine public confidence in the judiciary and send a troubling message about judicial integrity. The bench questioned why the judge bypassed the High Court to appeal directly to the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Bipin Sanghi defended his client’s record, arguing that a judge should not face disciplinary action for appealable decisions unless motivated by bad faith.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court declined to admit the petition, directing the applicant to approach the High Court instead. The bench also criticized the use of Right to Information (RTI) requests to seek internal judicial details, calling formal representation the proper route.