“We have laid the foundation stones for the new court buildings at Karkardooma, Shastri Park, and Rohini. Traditionally, the cornerstone is the first stone of the building, serving as the reference point for all other bricks to be laid during construction. These buildings offer much to the public. They are dedicated to the citizens of Delhi and beyond, who will come here seeking justice,” CJI stated
NEW DELHI: Today (2nd July): Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with other Supreme Court judges, laid the foundation stone for three new court buildings in the Karkardooma, Shastri Park, and Rohini (Sector 26) court complexes in Delhi.
Supreme Court judge Justice Hima Kohli and Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Manmohan is also be present at the event.
“We have laid the foundation stones for the new court buildings at Karkardooma, Shastri Park, and Rohini. Traditionally, the cornerstone is the first stone of the building, serving as the reference point for all other bricks to be laid during construction. These buildings offer much to the public. They are dedicated to the citizens of Delhi and beyond, who will come here seeking justice,”
stated Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud .
Addressing the gathering, CJI Chandrachud remarked,
“A courthouse is not merely built of bricks and stones, but on the hopes and aspirations of the people. Courts are designed to give people a sense of governance by laws, not by arbitrary decisions.”
He highlighted the pivotal role courts play in fostering a comprehensive and inclusive system that ensures the security of lawyers, judges, and litigants, and makes them aware of their responsibilities and duties towards society.
Reflecting on the judicial expansions, CJI Chandrachud noted the progress made since the establishment of the Karkardooma Court in 1993, stating,
“These new complexes will increase the capacity of our courts and reduce dependencies.” He emphasized that these additions are a crucial step towards accommodating the growing needs of the judicial system.
CJI Chandrachud elaborated on the function of courts as arenas for rigorous debates on legal principles. He explained that judges meticulously deliberate and base their impartial judgments on the strength of arguments, ensuring thorough and balanced scrutiny. This process, he said, is essential for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the judiciary.
Drawing a parallel between the laying of foundation stones and the fundamental values of the Indian legal and constitutional systems, CJI Chandrachud stated,
“Just as a building needs bricks for its foundation, our courts stand on the pillars of justice, freedom, equality, and fraternity.” This analogy underscores the deep-rooted principles that support the functioning of the judiciary.
The ceremony saw the foundation stones being laid in Shastri Park and Rohini Sector 26, marking these locations as future hubs of legal activity and justice delivery in the city. CJI Chandrachud expressed optimism that these projects would be completed on schedule, providing essential facilities to all litigants and reinforcing their rights and interests.
Reiterating his concerns about the perilous trend of viewing courts as temples and judges as deities,
CJI Chandrachud concluded his speech with a cautionary note:
“This analogy is hazardous as it starts positioning us as deities in temples, which is not appropriate.” He had previously criticized this mindset, emphasizing that it undermines the human and service-oriented nature of the judiciary.
The event marks a crucial step in the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to improve access to justice and uphold the principles of equality and fairness. With the new court complexes, the judiciary aims to better serve the citizens, ensuring that the legal system remains robust and responsive to the needs of society.
