'We Should Not Have Some Kind Of Pre-Approvals': Justice KaulIn an exclusive conversation on India Today, former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul addressed key revelations from his memoir, 'Without Fear or Favour', examining the delicate dynamics between the judiciary and the executive. Justice Kaul clarified his critique of former Chief Justice D.Y.
Chandrachud regarding judicial appointments, stating, "We should not have some kind of a pre-approvals from the government." Emphasizing institutional independence, he noted that if judges remain firm and explain their rationale, the government is generally willing to cooperate. He reflected on the void left by late Union Minister Arun Jaitley, whom he identified as an effective bridge of trust between both organs of state.
Justice Kaul also addressed caste calculations influencing appointments, the fallout of the struck-down NJAC, bench neutrality in sensitive cases like Rafale, and why judges need adaptation while facing relentless social media scrutiny.