Judicial officers must avoid 'five poisonous Cs', uphold Constitution and conscience: Justice Bhatti

 Supreme Court judge Justice Sarasa Venkatanarayana Bhatti on Saturday urged judicial officers to guard against “five poisonous Cs” — confusion, caste or creed bias, corruption, complacency and capitulation — and emphasised adherence to the Constitution and individual conscience while discharging duties.

Addressing the inaugural session of 12th Annual Judicial Conclave here, the judge said judicial work is a “solemn duty” and not an exercise of power, and called for continuous self-assessment and awareness during such forums.

“A judicial officer is expected not to have confusion about the case he holds in his hand,” he said, listing confusion as the first of the pitfalls to be avoided. He cautioned against the misuse of caste or creed considerations in courts and stressed that corruption and complacency can undermine the justice delivery system.

Referring to “capitulation”, the judge said surrendering to pressure or fear would erode justice. “The moment a judicial officer surrenders himself to pressure or fear, justice dies at his hands,” he said.

He also highlighted two guiding principles — the Constitution of India and one’s conscience — saying officers must ensure that their actions conform to constitutional values and ethical standards. “Whether you are doing a right thing or wrong thing, it is only known to your conscience,” he said.

The judge recalled his early years as a lawyer before a district court and said practical learning in courtrooms and guidance from senior judicial officers had shaped his understanding of procedure and substantive law.

He told officers of the Tripura judiciary that they bear a significant responsibility in shaping future generations of lawyers and strengthening the foundations of the state’s judicial system.

He also referred to his professional association with senior colleagues and mentors, underlining the importance of guidance and institutional learning in judicial functioning.

The address preceded two technical sessions scheduled later in the day.

Among the others, Chief Justice of Tripura High Court Justice MS Ramachandra Rao, Justice SD Purkayastha, Chairman of Tripura Bar Council Ratan Datta spoke on the occasion.