“Supreme Court Can’t Solve Political Battles", Says Ex-Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Calls for Judicial Reforms

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul has emphasized that the judiciary cannot take over the role of political institutions, nor can it become a solution for every political disagreement. TJustice Sanjay Kishan Kaul interview, Supreme Court political cases, Election Commission criticism India, judicial reforms in India, pending cases in High Courts, NJAC issue, women’s freedom in India, Radhika Yadav murder case news

he retired judge addressed multiple issues, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, rising political allegations against the Election Commission, and much-needed judicial reforms.

On the ongoing criticism of the Election Commission, Justice Kaul clarified that the Supreme Court is not meant to fix political problems, saying, “Political disputes must be resolved politically. The court’s job is not to frame policies or do the work of the Election Commission. It can only intervene when there’s a clear legal question involved. The judiciary ensures checks and balances, but it cannot replace constitutional bodies.”

Regarding the opposition’s frequent doubts over electoral fairness, Kaul remarked that political differences have become extreme, leaving little room for a middle path. “Today’s politics is rigid. But elections still work. Opposition parties have won in Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, while the BJP has also won elsewhere. One cannot say, ‘If I win, it’s fair; if I lose, it’s flawed,’” he said.

He also highlighted the crisis of judicial pendency in India, noting that a large number of vacancies in High Courts and lower courts remain unfilled. “One-third of High Court positions are vacant. Lower courts face a similar shortage. The NJAC (National Judicial Appointments Commission) was struck down, and the appointment process remains stuck. Even timelines set for appointments are not being followed,” he added, calling for urgent reforms to ease case backlogs.

On the murder of tennis player Radhika Yadav, Justice Kaul expressed deep sorrow, saying such incidents reflect society’s regressive mindset towards women’s freedom. “As society progresses, women are gaining education and independence, but some people still cannot accept their freedom. Violence over small disputes shows a lack of dialogue and tolerance. Women must have the right to live and work on their own terms, not as per someone else’s approval,” he said.

Justice Kaul’s statements underline the need for a balanced approach between judiciary, politics, and society, with stronger institutions, timely reforms, and a progressive mindset to ensure justice and equality.