Courts must intervene whenever rights are violated: CJI

In this image released on Oct. 12, 2026, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant addresses the 33rd Foundation Day function and National Conference of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), at Vigyan Bhavan, in New Delhi. Photo: PIB via PTI Photo

Courts have a duty to intervene whenever rights guaranteed by the Constitution are violated, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said on Monday (October 12, 2026), stressing that promises of dignity, equality, liberty, and justice must translate into meaningful protection for citizens.

Addressing the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) 33rd Foundation Day, the CJI said the institution should be assessed not just by the number of cases it deals with, but in its ability to help the voiceless.

Citing the Commission’s record, he noted that the NHRC had registered more than 24 lakh cases and disposed of over 23 lakh in the 33 years since its establishment, with a disposal rate exceeding 98%.

Aiding the voiceless