This event not only signifies the strengthening relationship between the International Court of Justice and the Supreme Court of India but also serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering dialogue on the universal principles of justice, independence, and innovation in the judiciary. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, in his welcoming remarks, expressed his delight at having Judge HilaryCharlesworth.
In a historic moment for the Indian judiciary, Judge Hilary Charlesworth of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) joined the bench of the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, marking a significant event that underscores the deepening ties between international and national legal frameworks. This collaboration highlights the shared values and challenges faced by judicial institutions worldwide, irrespective of their jurisdictional boundaries.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, in his welcoming remarks, expressed his delight at having Judge Charlesworth, a distinguished jurist and a friend of India, among them.
“I have great pleasure in welcoming ICJ judge Hilary Charlesworth among us. She has taught earlier at the Mayo College here. She is a distinguished jurist,”
he stated, acknowledging her contributions to the legal field and her connection to India. This sentiment was echoed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who extended a warm welcome to her Ladyship, signifying the respect and admiration she commands within the Indian legal community.
Judge Charlesworth, an Australian international lawyer who has served on the ICJ bench since November 5, 2021, is renowned for her expertise in international law and her commitment to advancing judicial independence and gender representation in the judiciary. During her visit to India, she delivered the second annual lecture on ‘The International Court of Justice: A legal forum in a political environment’ at the Supreme Court premises, sharing insights into the complexities of navigating legal principles in politically charged contexts.
In her address, Judge Charlesworth drew parallels between the ICJ and the Supreme Court of India, noting their common challenges and the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law.
“We both (ICJ and Supreme Court) face the task of navigating highly charged political environments as a legal institution. The international judiciary can draw inspiration from the Supreme Court of India’s distinguished history of independence and innovation,”
she remarked, highlighting the mutual respect and learning between the two institutions.
A focal point of Judge Charlesworth’s lecture was the critical issue of gender representation in the judiciary at a global level. She pointed out the disparity in gender representation at the ICJ, contrasting it with the goals set by the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court.
Also Read- DAY 2 | At The International Court Of Justice(ICJ), South Africa VS Israel (lawchakra.in)
“I think overall the ICJ has a poor record of maintaining that balance. In over 8 decades, just 6 women have been elected to the Court, while 109 men have been elected at the same time…today we are still 4 women and 11 men,”
she observed, shedding light on the ongoing struggle for gender parity in the international legal arena.
Chief Justice Chandrachud, in his reflections, emphasized the Supreme Court’s role in guiding India’s journey post-colonialism towards a future envisioned by the Constitution.
“Our founding moment cannot be viewed divorced from the political realities of our time,”
he stated, underlining the Court’s responsibility in shaping a just and equitable society.
Moreover, Chief Justice Chandrachud’s recent remarks on the Supreme Court’s capacity for introspection were particularly poignant.
“What is also impressive to me is the Supreme Court’s courageous capacity of introspection, which, to quote the CJI’s recent talk on the ceremonial sitting and I quote – introspection is the art of bringing the seemingly unattainable within the line of vision,”
he said, encapsulating the essence of judicial reflection and its role in advancing the legal landscape.
This event not only signifies the strengthening relationship between the ICJ and the Supreme Court of India but also serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering dialogue on the universal principles of justice, independence, and innovation in the judiciary. As legal institutions around the world grapple with evolving challenges, the collaboration and shared insights between judges of such high calibre offer a beacon of hope and direction for the future of global and national jurisprudence.
Also Read- DAY 2 | At The International Court Of Justice(ICJ), South Africa VS Israel (lawchakra.in)