Today, On 2nd July, Chief Justice of India emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, advocating for the adoption of a green lifestyle. Highlighting the dire environmental consequences if ignored, the CJI called for immediate action to integrate sustainable practices into daily life.
New Delhi: Highlighting the recent heatwaves followed by heavy rainfall in Delhi, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized on Tuesday the urgency of addressing climate change and advocated for the adoption of a “green lifestyle” to curb carbon emissions.
In his speech, he advocated for the incorporation of eco-friendly practices into daily life.
Speaking at a foundation stone-laying ceremony for new trial court buildings in Karkardooma, Shastri Park, and Rohini, the CJI remarked,
“This year, Delhi experienced the hottest-recorded weather. We have experienced two heatwaves followed by record-breaking rain in a single day. Our infrastructure must reflect the reality we live in climate change can no longer be ignored. One crucial step is to incorporate a green lifestyle into our daily lives, which includes reducing carbon emissions. I was delighted to know that the new buildings will focus on heat-island mitigation and reduce environmental footprint.”
Chief Justice of India (CJI) highlighted an 18th-century case involving Rama Kamati, whose servant subjected to custodial torture to confess to Kamati’s crimes. Kamati also convicted and later died in prison.
Justice Chandrachud stated,
“Our legal and constitutional framework is fundamentally based on the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Courts serve as the guardians of these core values. We uphold them by enforcing rights-based substantive laws and fairness-based procedural laws,”
He noted that it later discovered that the evidence against Kamati had been fabricated.
He added,
“Rama Kamati’s case serves as a reminder that arbitrary and expedient justice is contrary to the rule of law and procedural safeguards that we value. A court’s foundation must be robust both structurally and philosophically, serving only the Constitution and the litigants,”
Chief Justice of India (CJI) emphasized that courts not only symbols of sovereign authority but also crucial public service institutions.
During the foundation stone laying ceremony, he stated,
“Court premises, like all buildings, are not just made of bricks and concrete. They are made up of hope. Courts are made to realise the virtues of justice and the rule of law. Every case that is being filed before us is with that hope for justice. When we invest in the safety, accessibility and comfort of our judges, lawyers and litigants, we build more than just an efficient system, we make a just and inclusive system.”
He further explained that the new facilities would enhance court efficiency and help reduce case backlogs.
Justice Chandrachud added,
“Courts are a repository of precedents and an accumulation of social histories. Judges apply the present law, drawing upon the past law to shape the future law. Through their rulings, they bridge historical legal principles with contemporary issues, crafting the legal landscape for tomorrow,”
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He stressed that immediate and concerted action is necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. By adopting sustainable lifestyles, individuals can contribute significantly to the global effort to combat environmental degradation. The CJI called for a collective shift towards greener habits, such as reducing carbon footprints, conserving energy, and embracing renewable resources.
The event attended by Supreme Court judges Sanjiv Khanna and Hima Kohli, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court Manmohan, and Delhi minister Atishi.