During its early years, in the 1950s, the Supreme Court of India convened infrequently — sitting only a few days annually and for just a few hours at a time. A modest start for what would become the nation’s highest judicial authority.

Much has changed since then. Now the Court functions for a minimum of seven hours a day for more than 190 days in a year. Saturdays too, and special benches during court vacations. This demanding schedule has shrunk the time needed for intellectual resuscitation, which is indispensable for all officers of the court. And judges need it the most.

Recently, Sanjeev Sanyal, member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, sparked debate by suggesting that the judiciary is “the single biggest hurdle” to India becoming Viksit Bharat. His rhetoric criticised judicial vacations and formal court protocols such as addressing judges as “my lord”, describing them as colonial holdovers that contribute to delays. His remarks prompted swift reactions with some calling for contempt proceedings, while social media responses reflected a mix of criticism and support.

While Sanyal’s concerns may resonate with a public tired of case backlogs and procedural delays, the broad strokes of his critique oversimplify a complex institution. In reality, a strong, independent........

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