New Delhi, November 14
Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Sunday emphasised the need to preserve, protect and promote the independence and integrity of the judiciary, saying there was no other way to live up to the faith of the people.
“It is, primarily, the ability of Constitutional courts to function with absolute independence and necessary boldness in the face of adversity, that defines the character of our institution. Our ability to uphold the Constitution sustains our impeccable character. There is no other way to live up to the faith of our people.” the CJI said.
“Without robust justice delivery system at the grassroot level, we cannot imagine a healthy judiciary. Therefore, nothing is more important than to preserve, protect and promote the independence and integrity of the judiciary at all levels,” he said addressing the valedictory ceremony of the National Legal Services Authority’s (NALSA) pan-India legal awareness and outreach campaign.
“Together, we have been handling the responsibilities entrusted to us by the Constitution with utmost sincerity and commitment. The immense trust reposed by the public at large upon the judiciary, as a last resort of hope, stands testimony to this fact. The Supreme Court and the High Courts are hugely conscious of the Constitutional scheme, which is honoured in letter and spirit by all of us,” Justice Ramana said.
He said, “Since our decisions have a huge social impact, they should be easily comprehensible and must be written in a simple and clear language.”
“The mind of the Indian judiciary can be known to millions largely through the actions of the Trial Court and the District judiciary. For an overwhelming majority of litigants, what is real and existing is only the district judiciary,” he said.
The valedictory ceremony of NALSA’s pan-India legal awareness and outreach campaign – which coincided with the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru – was also addressed by Woman and Child Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, NALSA Executive Chairman Justice UU Lalit and Justice AM Khanwilkar.
The CJI also announced a cash reward of Rs 11,000 each for disabled children who performed at the function.
Justice Ramana said, “The stark divide between haves and have nots is still a reality. No matter how many cherished declarations we successfully arrive at, in the face of poverty, inequity and deprivations, it will all seem pointless.”
“Despite our being a part of a welfare state, benefits are not trickling down to the intended beneficiaries at the desired levels. People’s aspirations about leading a dignified life are often met with challenges. One of them, primarily, being poverty,” he said.
Quoting Pandit Nehru on the impact of poverty, he said, “There could be no real freedom without economic freedom” and that “to call a starving man free, is but to mock him”.
The CJI said such people care little for “well-dressed, erudite lawyers or colossal court buildings. All they want is to be relieved of their pain quickly, without exhausting all their resources.”
