The Supreme Court on Monday indicated that it would consider framing uniform judicial guidelines applicable across High Courts, while cautioning that any observations must not demoralize the judiciary as an institution.

During the hearing, the Bench of Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi observed that while reforms and structured procedures may be necessary to ensure institutional efficiency, care must be taken not to send any message that undermines judicial morale. “We want the institution to work and respond to challenges, but we do not want to demoralize our judicial forces,” the Court remarked.

Counsel appearing in the matter informed the Court that broad suggestions had already been filed, including proposals vetted by senior members of the Bar. The Bench directed that all recommendations be consolidated into a comprehensive compilation, with necessary rephrasing to account for the passage of time and subsequent judicial orders.

The Court clarified that it does not possess administrative authority to issue binding circulars to High Courts, as they are independent constitutional bodies. However, it noted that guidelines could be framed in the exercise of its judicial powers. The Bench suggested that once consolidated, the proposals may be shared with former Chief Justices of High Courts and other senior jurists for practical inputs before finalisation.

In a connected matter, the Court recorded that a previously delayed High Court judgment had since been uploaded, observing that parties are at liberty to avail themselves of remedies in accordance with law. It declined to make further observations on the issue and cautioned against remarks that could be perceived as defaming the judiciary.

The matter relating to the formulation of uniform guidelines will be taken up after two weeks, by which time the consolidated suggestions are to be placed before the Court.