Justice delayed is justice destroyed: CJI Surya Kant

“Justice delayed is not only justice denied, but it is justice destroyed,” the CJI said, as he urged high courts to view access to justice as a state-guaranteed service rather than a passive entitlement.

Speaking at the Fali Nariman memorial lecture at Mumbai University, the CJI said high courts should go beyond their traditional appellate or revisional roles and function as accessible forums for constitutional remedies.

Referring to Article 226 of the Constitution, which empowers high courts to enforce fundamental rights, he said they are independent constitutional courts and should not be treated as mere stepping stones to the Supreme Court.