Chief Justice Chandrachud stressed the importance of understanding people’s problems at a felicitation event for four newly appointed Supreme Court judges. Justice Sharma expressed joy at realizing his dream of serving in the apex court, and Justice Masih highlighted the opportunities for success through hard work. The event concluded with Chief Justice Chandrachud welcoming the new judges and praising their commitment to understanding human lives.
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NEW DELHI: On 28th February, an event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Chief Justice DY Chandrachud highlighted the essence of judicial service and legal practice during the felicitation of four newly appointed Supreme Court judges. The ceremony, held at the Supreme Court, celebrated the elevation of Justices Satish Chandra Sharma, Augustine George Masih, Sandeep Mehta, and PB Varale, marking the court’s return to its full operational strength.
Chief Justice Chandrachud, addressing the gathering, underscored the importance of empathy and understanding in the legal profession. He stated-
“There is a vast body of literature on how judges must decide and what goes into legal decision-making in general. While the knowledge of the law and the context of its enactment are important, it is ultimately the understanding of people’s problems that makes us better lawyers and judges.”
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His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing that legal acumen alone is not sufficient for effective judicial service.
The Chief Justice further elaborated on the concept of judicial decision-making, likening it to riding a bicycle and stressing the importance of simple justice over complex legal theories.
“I believe decision-making is somewhat like, to borrow the words of a distinguished scholar, riding a bicycle. If you are teetering out of control, it is unlikely that a complicated theory will help you restore the balance. In the moments of imbalance, we are unlikely to find solutions in very complicated, theoretical statements of the law or policy. The stabilising influence in such moments of crisis is often a very simple idea of justice. The strength of a simple idea lies in the fact that it comes from the vast experience of a judge as a lawyer, as a student of the law, and as a discerning, observing member of the society.”
The event also served as a platform for the new justices to share their experiences and aspirations. Justice Sharma expressed his honor and dream fulfillment in serving the apex court.
He remarked-
“This is a dream come true. To serve in the apex court of the land is unarguably the highest honor for any person in the legal profession.”
Justice Masih highlighted the recognition and advancement hard work brings in the legal field, stating-
“There’s always a chance of you moving up. We always hear so much about who has been elevated to the bench. But here’s a person standing in front of you who had no connection with law and is a first-generation lawyer.”
Justice Mehta stated,
“They have guided me in the nitty-gritty in an entirely new work environment, helping me overcome the challenge of a new ball game, which is really quite daunting.”
Appreciated the guidance from senior judges, and Justice Varale reflected on his journey influenced by Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy.
The ceremony concluded with Chief Justice Chandrachud‘s poignant message,
“Legal power is not enough for a judge. The stronger tool is their desire to understand human life. The journeys of Justice Sharma, Justice Masih, Justice Mehta, and Justice Varale demonstrate their commitment to human lives and improving it with the help of our laws.”
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His closing remarks, quoting a ghazal by Jagjit Singh-
“Tere aane ki jab khabar mehke,
Teri khushboo se saara ghar mehke.”
This left a lasting impression on the attendees, celebrating the blend of legal excellence and human compassion.
