CJI Remarks on Supreme Court's 75-Year Journey: A Reflection of 1.4 Billion Aspirations
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Synopsis
On January 28, CJI Sanjiv Khanna highlighted the Supreme Court's role in representing the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians during a ceremony marking its 75th anniversary. He emphasized its evolution and accessibility, showcasing its responsiveness to the nation’s diverse challenges.
Key Takeaways
- CJI Khanna emphasizes the Supreme Court as a true people's court.
- The court has evolved since 1950, reflecting the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.
- Diversity in judiciary ensures representation of various voices.
- The court's judgments mirror the challenges faced by the nation.
- Justice must balance principles with practicality.
New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna remarked on Tuesday that the Supreme Court encapsulates the aspirations and diversity of 1.4 billion Indians.
“What distinguishes our Supreme Court on the international stage is its distinct nature as a genuine people’s court,” stated CJI Khanna while overseeing a ceremonial bench organized to honor the 75th anniversary of the apex court’s inaugural session.
“Initiated in 1950 as a successor to the Federal Court, it has transformed into arguably the world’s most vibrant and dynamic apex court, authentically reflecting the aspirations and diversity of 1.4 billion Indians,” he continued.
The Chief Justice emphasized that the top court remains accessible to the general public, highlighting that the diversity of judges in these courtrooms ensures a wide array of voices is represented at the highest judiciary level. He further noted that each decade of the court’s jurisprudence mirrors the challenges faced by our nation.
“Similar to rings in a mature tree that depict its journey through various seasons, these judgments illustrate not only legal progress but also the very heartbeat of our country. The Supreme Court is not a static edifice made of sandstone, but a vibrant, responsive institution. It has been attuned to the conscience of our democracy, evolving to embrace the complexities of each era while remaining firmly rooted in constitutional values,” CJI Khanna remarked.
In reference to significant verdicts delivered over the past twenty years, he claimed that “no other apex court globally traverses such a vast domain” — addressing matters from personal liberty to environmental concerns, from Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to privacy and the Right to Information (RTI). Regarding socioeconomic justice, the Supreme Court upheld expanded affirmative action to encompass economic criteria (EWS - Economically Weaker Section), acknowledging various forms of disadvantage in contemporary society, CJI Khanna stated.
“The public perception of justice has progressed from a mere legal framework to a dynamic force that impacts lives nationwide. Seventy-five years into our constitutional journey, the Supreme Court has evolved while remaining grounded in its original mission. This evolution signifies a profound understanding — that justice must amalgamate principles with practicality,” concluded the CJI.
