The CJI SA Bobde on Thursday said that judges were “willing to work longer” if their superannuation age is raised. The CJI’s remarks came on the proposal of Attorney General (AG) KK Venugopal who said that lawyers were arguing their cases in 70s and 80s and likewise the retirement age of judges can be extended to 70 for SC judges and 68 for high courts judges.

CJI Bobde was speaking at the felicitation ceremony organized by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in honour of him.

“I will say nothing about what the learned Attorney General said about the tenure of judges. He was addressing as a member of the Bar and I can say as a member of the Bar, please tell this to your client. We are willing to work,” Justice Bobde said.

Bobde who took oath as CJI on Nov 18 raised concern over access of justice to the common man and said that lawyers were charging exorbitant fees and exhorted them to think over it.

“Our judiciary is one that is independent and both the bar and the bench have on many occasions zealously guarded it. At the same time, it is equally important for all of us to maintain the independence and integrity of not only of the judiciary but also of the bar,” he said.

CJI Bobde stressed on the use of Information Technology (IT) especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) on providing more efficient and cost-effective access to and delivery of justice.

“This must also include undertaking serious study concerning future of artificial intelligence in law, especially how artificial intelligence can assist in judicial decision making. I believe exploring this interface would be immensely beneficial for many reasons,” he stated.

—India Legal Bureau