Chief Justice of India Surya Kant lauded the Uttar Pradesh government while laying the foundation stone for six integrated court complexes, calling them a national benchmark. He said UP’s model of modern judicial infrastructure will be cited across the country as an example for other states.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday praised the Uttar Pradesh government and said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has added a historic chapter to the region by building what he described as “temples of justice”.
The Chief Justice was speaking at a ceremony held in Chandauli, where the foundation stone was laid for six integrated court complexes that will come up in six districts of Uttar Pradesh. The event was attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Addressing the gathering, the CJI said,
“Uttar Pradesh will set an example by establishing these court complexes which will become a benchmark for the entire nation. Whichever state I go to, I will cite the example of UP. I will urge the state governments and high courts that such facilities be also provided there too. This region is famous for many historical religious temples and the CM has added a new chapter to that history by establishing these temples of justice here.”
It is learnt that the Uttar Pradesh government has already released funds for the construction of integrated court complexes in Chandauli, Mahoba, Amethi, Shamli, Hathras and Auraiya districts, and construction work is expected to begin soon.
The Chief Justice highlighted the importance of district courts in the constitutional framework and said,
“The makers of the Constitution believed that if district judiciary is established, the dream of access to justice will come true. When people are deprived of their judicial rights, they would be able to fight for those rights in their local courtsm”.
He further explained the constitutional position of the judiciary and remarked,
“There is an article in the Constitution which has accorded significant importance to the district judiciary. There’s another article that mandates a high court for each state to enforce fundamental rights.”
Reiterating his earlier remarks, the CJI again underlined the long-term value of the project and said,
“This region is famous for many historical religious temples and the chief minister has added a new chapter to that history by establishing these temples of justice here. These integrated court complexes, equipped with all kinds of facilities, will successfully meet the needs of lawyers and common people seeking justice for the next 50 years, he remarked.”
The Chief Justice also made specific suggestions to improve inclusivity and welfare within court premises. Making an appeal to both the government and the High Court, he said,
“Separate bar rooms should be built for women in every district court where our daughters and sisters practise law. I would also request the chief minister that a primary health centre be established in the complex, which would help elderly litigants and others avail instant health facilities.”
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that a strong judiciary is essential for a strong democracy. He stressed the need for modern and citizen-friendly infrastructure so that justice is easily accessible to the common people.
He said,
“For justice to be available to every citizen with ease, it is necessary that such models are made which are integrated (under one roof). Inspired by the Chief Justice, this facility is being provided in six districts of UP. This facility will also be available in four other districts in the next few months,”
Adityanath said.
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The Chief Minister also gave details of the facilities that will be part of these complexes and said,
“Funds have been released for six districts in the first phase. With the approval of the design, all formalities have been completed. Now construction work will be undertaken. There will be a court complex, good chambers for advocates, residences for judicial officers, canteen, parking, sports and facilities under one roof,”
he added.
The event was attended by Supreme Court judges Justices Vikram Nath, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Mishra and Rajesh Bindal, along with Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, and senior judge Mahesh Chandra Tripathi, reflecting the importance attached to strengthening judicial infrastructure at the grassroots level in Uttar Pradesh.
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