How Should the Judiciary Support the Underprivileged? Insights from Justice Surya Kant
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Judiciary's Role: Beyond dispute resolution, protecting the underprivileged is crucial.
- Constitutional Equity: Justice should be accessible to all, reflecting the Constitution's core values.
- Technological Adoption: Embracing advancements is essential for modernizing the justice system.
- Community Engagement: The judiciary must connect with local communities to understand their needs.
- Celebration of Heritage: Honoring historical figures like Bhagwan Birsa Munda is vital for cultural recognition.
Ranchi, Nov 15 (NationPress) Justice Surya Kant, who is set to become the Chief Justice of India, emphasized on Saturday that the judiciary's role is not limited to merely settling disputes; it is also essential to safeguard the rights of the underprivileged and the vulnerable.
While serving as the chief guest at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Jharkhand High Court, he remarked, "The essence of justice is universal—this is the core principle of our Constitution. Equity and transparency are fundamental to our judicial framework, ensuring that justice is within reach of all citizens."
At the event's commencement, he honored the legacy of tribal hero and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, recognizing his contributions on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary, stating, "Bhagwan Birsa is a hero for everyone and will always be remembered as such."
Justice Surya Kant underscored the pivotal function of the High Court, describing it as a vital link connecting the Supreme Court and the district courts, thereby playing a crucial role in upholding the rights of Jharkhand's populace.
He congratulated the Jharkhand High Court on reaching its 25-year milestone and expressed confidence in its commitment to maintaining esteemed judicial traditions.
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal, who was the special guest, commended the High Court's efforts in delivering swift and accessible justice.
He urged the judiciary to adopt technological innovations in this era of AI and IT, suggesting that the High Court map out a plan for its upcoming Golden Jubilee.
He also reassured lawyers that the government would consider establishing a Central Administrative Tribunal bench in Ranchi.
During his welcome speech, the Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court, Tarlok Singh Chauhan, reflected on the state’s rich legal history and the court's journey over the past quarter-century.
Throughout the event, Justice Surya Kant introduced the District Judiciary of Jharkhand mobile application and unveiled the High Court’s commemorative publication titled "Pragati".
Prior to the ceremony, attendees paid floral tributes to the image of Lord Birsa Munda.
Present at the event were Supreme Court Justices Dipankar Datta, Prashant Kumar Mishra, Sandeep Mehta, Vijay Bishnoi, along with Chief Justices from the Mumbai and Telangana High Courts, various former judges, advocates, and judicial officers.