The CJI DY Chandrachud delivered the opening speech at the Commonwealth Attorney and Solicitors Generals Conference held on Saturday (03/02/2024).
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Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud emphasized the critical role of law officers in maintaining the sanctity of the judiciary and the legal process. Speaking at the prestigious 2024 Commonwealth Attorney and Solicitors Generals Conference, CJI Chandrachud highlighted the necessity for law officers to transcend the political dynamics of their time and uphold the highest standards of conduct and dignity within the courtroom.
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“It is imperative that law officers remain impervious to the politics of the day and conduct themselves with dignity in court, ensuring the integrity of legal proceedings,”
CJI Chandrachud remarked, setting the tone for a discourse on the ethical foundation upon which the legal profession stands. He further illustrated his point by referencing the late Soli Sorabjee, a former Attorney General of India, whose tenure was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice and the courage to advise the Union government against pursuing legally untenable cases.
The conference, attended by luminaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister of State with independent charge of the Law and Justice Ministry Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General R Venkataramani, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, revolved around the theme of “Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery.” This gathering of legal minds from across the Commonwealth provided a fertile ground for discussions on enhancing the delivery of justice in an increasingly interconnected world.
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CJI Chandrachud also delved into the realm of legal education and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the judiciary and the legal profession at large. He advocated for a more inclusive and equitable approach to the admission and recruitment processes in law schools, stressing the importance of diversity and socio-economic backgrounds in enriching the legal community.
“As we strive to modernize legal education, we must also confront the question of equitable access to legal education. Entrance tests for admission to law schools must not be exclusionary. We must ensure that our admission processes are fair, transparent, and inclusive. This necessitates a holistic approach,”
-he stated, envisioning a legal education system that is accessible to all.
Furthermore, CJI Chandrachud addressed the transformative potential of technology in the judicial process, cautioning against its misuse while advocating for its role in enhancing transparency and accountability.
“Modernizing courtrooms and facilities is as crucial as bolstering overall infrastructure. Ensuring that technology serves to enhance transparency and accountability and not to perpetuate opacity and inequality,”
-he remarked, highlighting the delicate balance between technological advancement and the preservation of justice for all.
In conclusion, CJI Chandrachud’s vision for the future of the legal profession and the judiciary is one where “justice knows no bounds,” and where the “rule of law reigns supreme.” His address serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical responsibilities that law officers bear in their pursuit of justice, and the collective endeavor to ensure that the legal system remains a bastion of fairness, integrity, and inclusivity.
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