Justice Nariman Slams "Divine Interventions" in Verdicts, Calls it Violation of Oath

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala, Sept. 18, 2025: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman has criticised judges who invoke divine intervention while delivering judgements, stating that such actions violate their constitutional oath. He made this comment while responding to an audience question at the 16th K.M. Bashir Memorial Lecture on “Fraternity in a Secular State: The Protection of Cultural Rights and Duties”, held on September 1 in Thiruvananthapuram.

In his response to the question, Justice Nariman asserted that judges are bound solely by their oath to the Constitution and the laws of the land while deciding on a case. 

“Whether with divine intervention or bovine intervention or any other kind of intervention, if a judge delivers a verdict, he is violating his oath to the Constitution,” he said. He added that while a judge may draw from personal morality, the process of passing a court judgement must remain firmly anchored in constitutional principles.

Justice Nariman's remarks came in response to a query about statements made by several senior judges, including a former Chief Justice, who have acknowledged seeking divine guidance before delivering court judgements. The question specifically referenced former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, who last year stated that he prayed for guidance while adjudicating the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute. Justice Chandrachud, a member of the five-judge bench that delivered the 2019 verdict, described the case as “difficult to adjudicate” and said that faith and prayer had helped him find a solution.

Chandrachud’s comments had previously drawn criticism from several quarters, including senior advocate Indira Jaising, who argued that invoking divine intervention in judicial decisions is anti-constitutional. Justice Nariman’s remarks have added further weight to these concerns, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining judicial independence from religious influence.

Source: LiveLaw

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