Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, at the Supreme Court Bar Association’s Constitution Day event, stated that the Supreme Court will not revert to the prior system of adjournments via circulated letters, deeming it ineffective. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between judges and the bar while celebrating the Constitution’s transformative role in India’s democracy.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, speaking at the Supreme Court Bar Association’s Constitution Day celebration on Nov 26th, clarified that the Supreme Court will not revert to the old system of seeking adjournments through circulated letters, describing it as “counterproductive.”
Addressing concerns, CJI Khanna said,
“I have been repeatedly getting requests for re-circulation of letters of adjournment… The data shows there were about 9,000-10,000 applications or letters for adjournments circulated every three months, which is more than 1,000 every day. It is not going to be possible for us to go back to the earlier system.”
He emphasized that while the current system can be improved with suggestions, returning to the old process would not be feasible.
CJI Khanna also highlighted the deep connection between judges and the legal bar, stating, “We belong to the bar. The better the bar, the better the judges.”
Reflecting on India’s democratic journey since independence, CJI Khanna said Constitution Day, also observed as Law Day, celebrates the transformative role of the Constitution in shaping the nation.
“India, since independence, has had a transformative journey… from a nation grappling with partition, widespread illiteracy, poverty, and hunger to emerging today as a mature and vibrant democracy,”
he said.
He credited the Constitution for this transformation, calling it “a way of life that has to be lived up to.”
CJI Khanna’s remarks underscored the importance of collaboration between the judiciary and the legal fraternity while honoring the pivotal role of the Constitution in India’s progress.
As India marks Constitution Day, the judiciary continues to uphold its commitment to ensuring efficiency, fairness, and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
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