Today(on 29th June), Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud shared the stage at the bicentenary celebration of the Calcutta High Court Bar Library in Kolkata. The event included a discussion meeting organized by the National Judicial Academy, highlighting their prominent roles in judiciary and politics.
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KOLKATA: Today(on 29th June), Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud shared the stage. The occasion, held in Kolkata, was the bicentenary celebration of the Calcutta High Court Bar Library, an event that drew considerable attention due to the presence of prominent figures in the judiciary and politics.
Chief Justice Chandrachud arrived in Kolkata on Friday to attend this notable function. The event featured a discussion meeting organized by the National Judicial Academy, held in the ballroom of a hotel along the bypass. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also invited to this meeting, where both were scheduled to speak.
Among the dignitaries present were Calcutta High Court Chief Justice TS Shivagnam, who has recently delivered several rulings against the state, and several former judges of the Supreme Court. The event began with felicitations for Chief Justice Chandrachud and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with both receiving recognition in traditional northern attire.
Chief Justice Shivagnam commenced the speeches, expressing gratitude to the Chief Justice of the country, the state’s Chief Minister, and the audience.
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He remarked-
“The Calcutta High Court has upheld its traditions while adapting to change, ensuring the continued integrity of the judiciary.”
Highlighting the court’s adaptability, he noted-
“Amidst the Covid pandemic, various courts across the country are conducting hearings through live streaming, including the Calcutta High Court.”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee then took the stage, expressing her honor at sharing it with the Chief Justice of India.
“Thank you for this opportunity. It is an honor to share the stage with the Chief Justice of the country, Justice Chandrachud, who is widely respected. His father also made significant contributions to the judiciary. I extend my gratitude to the judges of the Calcutta High Court as well.”
-she said.
Mamata Banerjee further added-
“Consider me as a member of your family as well. I too am dedicated to the law; I have been involved in three or four cases. The judiciary holds a sacred place in our hearts, akin to temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras. The government stands firmly behind the judiciary. When people face challenges in their lives, they trust that the country’s judicial system will protect them. Justice Chandrachud is contributing to the enhancement of our judicial system. We have invested significantly to strengthen the judiciary, including providing 70 acres of land for the new High Court in Rajarhat.”
The Chief Minister emphasized-
“We’ve set up 88 fast-track courts, with 55 specifically for women, and 99 human rights courts. It’s essential that our judiciary maintains impartiality, free from political influence, while upholding transparency and integrity.”
Mamata Banerjee expressed-
“Think of me as one of your own. I have fought numerous legal battles and hold the judiciary in the highest regard, akin to a sacred place. Our government staunchly supports the judicial system, which serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice. Justice Chandrachud’s efforts are pivotal in reforming our judiciary. We have made substantial investments in its improvement, including allocating 70 acres in Rajarhat for a new High Court.”
Chief Justice Chandrachud, in his address, emphasized the importance of discussions to improve the judicial system.
“This discussion is aimed at enhancing the country’s judicial system, focusing on strengthening it through the use of information technology.”
– he stated.
Touching upon constitutional ethics, he elaborated-
“Constitutional morality upholds the freedom of thought, expression, worship, choice of association, dietary preferences, and marriage in India. It emphasizes accepting diversity and fostering tolerance.”
Addressing the perception of the judiciary, Justice Chandrachud remarked-
“People often refer to the court as a temple of justice and fairness. However, it is a mistake to see ourselves as gods within that temple, which can be dangerous. Personally, I believe judges are servants of the people, not gods. It’s important not to prejudge others and to approach each case with compassion, recognizing the humanity of those who appear before us. Judges should refrain from imposing their personal views on society; instead, they should interpret cases in accordance with the principles of the constitution.”
Highlighting the advancements in judicial transparency and accessibility, the Chief Justice mentioned-
“Information technology has enabled us to translate over 51,000 judgments into various languages, including those recognized by the Constitution such as Bengali and Oriya. I specifically mention Bengali and Oriya because my wife has a fondness for Oriya, and Bengali is also very dear to us.”
He also expressed concerns regarding judicial processes, stating-
“Many High Courts are not sufficiently proactive, even in urgent bail applications, which concerns me. This is not an ideal model for the judiciary.”
