CJI Kant Proposes National Registry Of Retired Judges For ADR & Legal Awareness

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Apr 27 (KNN) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday called for the creation of a structured national framework to utilise the experience of retired judges in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and legal awareness initiatives.

Speaking at a conference of the Association of Retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts in Jaipur, the Chief Justice stressed that post-retirement engagement should be treated as institutional service with dignity, support and accountability, rather than informal volunteerism.

He noted that while judicial office may end with retirement, the role and responsibility of a judge continue beyond it.

Proposal for National Registry

CJI Surya Kant proposed the creation of a National Registry of former judges willing to contribute to ADR and legal awareness efforts.

He also suggested formal partnerships between the Association of Retired Judges, State Legal Services Authorities and High Courts to streamline such engagement.

Key Roles for Retired Judges

The Chief Justice identified four key areas where retired judges can contribute to strengthening the justice delivery system, including serving as mediators and arbitrators in commercial and family disputes, promoting legal awareness among citizens, acting as pre-litigation counsellors to help resolve disputes at an early stage, and mentoring young professionals while supporting institutional development.

He emphasised that such roles should not be treated as voluntary or ad hoc, but as structured responsibilities backed by accountability mechanisms.

(KNN Bureau)

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