India, Aug. 25 -- In an interview with HT, justice Abhay S Oka, who retired from the Supreme Court earlier this year, spoke with candour on some of the pressing issues before the judiciary. From the "Chief Justice-centric" image of the apex court, judicial independence, to delays that discourage prospective judges, his views on bail, personal liberty and the polyvocality of benches, as well as his strong stand against post-retirement positions, justice Oka reflected on the challenges before the institution.

You said at your farewell the Supreme Court is "Chief Justice-centric" and this image must change. How do you see the balance of power between the CJI as master of the roster and the need for more democratic functioning?

There are tw...