It bothers me, when I see judges feeling harassed: CJI designate on social media criticism

Taking a grim view of unrestrained criticism of judges on social media for some of their judicial actions, Chief Justice of India designate Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde says it bothers him when he sees judges feeling "harassed" and finds the attack difficult to ignore.

Justice Bobde, who will assume charge as the 47th Chief Justice of India on November 18, also said the unrestricted criticism was not only scandalising but also tearing apart judges' reputation.

Criticism of judges instead of their judgements including on social media is actually an offence of 'defamation', Bobde, 63, said during a wide-ranging interview with PTI.

Asked whether criticism of judges bothers him, Justice Bobde said, "To an extent. Yes. It bothers me. That it might affect the performance of courts and I see judges who feel harassed. To that extent it bothers me. Nobody likes it. Everybody is not thick-skinned enough to ignore. Judges are also normal human beings."
Giving illustrations, he said there can be extortion if money suits are not decreed, muscle power can be used to evict people and "that is not desirable."
About the lack of infrastructure in judiciary, Justice Bobde said, "I think the government is very alive to the need and the Central government as well as the state governments are making adequate provisions for infrastructure."