CJI in Fresh Trouble After Former Bureaucrats Object to His Comment

More than 70 retired civil servants have raised concerns over recent remarks made by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant during a court hearing related to an environmental case involving the expansion of the Pipavav Port project in Gujarat. The issue has now sparked a wider debate on judicial language, dissent, and environmental activism. According to the report, the controversy stems from observations made by the Chief Justice while hearing an appeal against a November 26, 2025 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT had upheld environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances granted for the port expansion project. During the hearing, Justice Surya Kant reportedly made an oral remark questioning whether there exists any project in India that environmental activists would openly support, suggesting that no major development project receives unanimous approval from environmental groups. This comment, however, was not included in the final written order. Following these remarks, a group of 71 retired bureaucrats—associated with the Constitutional Conduct Group—issued an open letter addressed to the Chief Justice of India. The letter expresses concern that such comments from a constitutional authority could be interpreted as discouraging to environmental petitioners and activists who challenge large infrastructure and industrial projects on ecological grounds. The former civil servants argue that remarks of this nature risk creating an atmosphere where citizens may feel intimidated or hesitant to raise concerns about environmental damage, displacement of communities, or potential long-term ecological consequences. According to them, this could have a chilling effect on democratic participation, especially in matters involving environmental governance and public health. The letter further states that such observations, even if made orally during proceedings, can carry significant weight given the authority of the office involved. The signatories caution that statements perceived as dismissive toward dissenting voices may undermine confidence in impartial judicial consideration of environmental disputes. Among the prominent signatories are former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, former diplomat K. Raghunath, former Environment Secretary Meena Gupta, and activist and former IAS officer Harsh Mander. The group collectively suggests that the remarks reflect a potential bias or predisposition, and they describe the situation as concerning when it comes from the highest judicial office in the country. The episode has added to ongoing discussions about the balance between development and environmental protection, as well as the importance of maintaining neutrality and restraint in judicial commentary. It also highlights the growing sensitivity around environmental litigation in India, where infrastructure expansion often intersects with ecological and community rights concerns.