‘Judgment’ means a judicial opinion which tells the story of the case; what the case is about; how Court is resolving the case and why. A ‘Judgment’ should be coherent, systematic and logically organized. It should enable the reader to trace the fact to a logical conclusion on the basis of legal principles.

Many times it is very difficult to appreciate what a Learned Judge wants to convey. A ‘Judgment’ replicates the individuality of the Judge and therefore, it is indispensable it should be written with care and caution. We are conscious of the fact, Judges may be overburdened with pending cases and arrears. But, quality can never be sacrificed for quantity. What Court says, and how it says it, is equally important as what Court decides.

– Hon’ble Justice M.R. Shah, Shakuntala Shukla v. State of Uttar Pradesh, [Criminal Appeal No. 876 of 2021].