India’s $10 trillion dream needs strong legal system, not just policy: CJI Surya Kant

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday said India’s ambition of becoming a USD 10 trillion economy cannot rely on capital or policy alone, stressing that the strength of the legal system will play a decisive role in long term economic growth.

Speaking at the Rule of Law Convention 2026 in New Delhi on the theme Legal Reform Roadmap to a USD 10 Trillion Bharat , he said the goal depends on trust, predictability, and institutional credibility , which form the foundation of investor confidence.

He noted that modern economic expansion requires patient, long term capital , whether in infrastructure, technology, or manufacturing, all of which depend on stable legal assurances. Investors, he said, must be confident that contracts will be enforced consistently over time and that obligations will remain secure throughout their lifecycle.

The CJI observed that commercial disputes today are far more complex than before, shifting from simple breaches to long duration, multi layered business relationships that demand deeper legal expertise.

He identified three key imperatives for reform: predictability in legal outcomes , a culture of dispute prevention through good faith , and greater specialisation within the legal system. He highlighted mediation as a powerful tool, stating that it could enhance economic competitiveness more than many conventional reforms.

He also called for greater integration of technology in the justice system , including digital case management and AI assisted research, while ensuring that human judgment remains central.

Finally, he stressed stronger collaboration between the bar and the bench , saying the legal profession must see itself as an active partner in India’s economic transformation, not merely a service provider.