India, Dec. 4 -- As Justice Surya Kant has assumed office as the Chief Justice of India (CJI), he steps into one of the most critical roles in the Indian judiciary at a time when the system faces mounting challenges. The path ahead for CJI Surya Kant is fraught with issues ranging from massive case backlogs to safeguarding judicial independence, and from reforming judicial processes to ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities.

One of the most immediate and daunting challenges is the staggering judicial backlog. With over 4.7 crore cases pending across the country, delays in the justice system have become an endemic issue. This has contributed to a growing public perception that justice is elusive for the common man. As CJI...