Today(on 2nd July),Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated that Indian courts are subservient only to the Constitution and serve the litigants who approach them. He emphasized that courts and judges are public service providers, not merely symbols of sovereign power.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 2nd July), Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the role of courts as servants of the Constitution and the public.
“The court must serve no authority other than the Constitution and should prioritize the litigants. Our courts are not just symbols of sovereign power but are fundamentally public service providers,”
-he stated during the foundation stone laying ceremony for additional court buildings in Delhi.
The Role of Courts and Judges as Public Service Providers
Chief Justice Chandrachud underscored the importance of courts and judges serving as public service providers rather than mere symbols of sovereign power.
“Courts and judges function as public service providers and are not merely symbols of sovereign power.”
– he highlighted, reinforcing the judiciary’s duty to serve the people who seek justice.
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for New Court Buildings
The foundation stone laying ceremony for new court buildings in Karkardooma, Shastri Park, and Rohini in Delhi was organized by the Delhi High Court. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Supreme Court judges Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, Delhi High Court judge Justice Rajiv Shakdher, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and Delhi Education and Public Works Department minister Atishi Marlena.
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Accessibility and Inclusivity in Public Buildings
Chief Justice Chandrachud also discussed the importance of making public buildings accessible to disabled persons. He recounted a story about Stephen Hawking’s visit to New Delhi to illustrate this point.
“I recall a story where disability rights groups had been advocating for accessibility measures at India’s historical monuments. When the great physicist Stephen Hawking visited India, he expressed a desire to see these monuments. Temporary wooden ramps were installed at four historical sites to facilitate his movement. It is said that if you touch the Qutub Minar and make a wish, it comes true. When Stephen Hawking was asked what he wished for at Qutub Minar, he replied, ‘I wish when I leave, these ramps remain.'”
-he recounted.
The Constitutional Foundation of Courts
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the philosophical and structural soundness required for courts.
“The foundation of a court must be robust, both structurally and philosophically.”
– he asserted, linking the physical infrastructure of courts to their foundational principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Address by Justice Rajiv Shakdher
In his welcome address, Justice Rajiv Shakdher, Chairperson of the Infrastructure Committee, elaborated on the significance of the new court buildings. He described the project as a significant step towards providing state-of-the-art infrastructure based on universal design and inclusivity.
“The three court complexes we plan to construct will include 208 courts, 401 lawyer chambers, facilities for vulnerable witnesses, multi-level parking, and an auditorium. This project will impact many lives in our society. We aim to ensure that everyone who enters these buildings feels a sense of meaningful participation in the court process and leaves with that same sense of contribution.”
-Justice Shakdher said.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan emphasized the critical role of district courts, describing them as the
“foundation stone of the judicial system” and highlighting their importance as the “first contact point for the litigants.”
In a recent statement, Justice Manmohan expressed his gratitude towards the Supreme Court for its timely intervention, which facilitated the progress of vital court construction projects. He acknowledged that the Supreme Court’s involvement was instrumental in overcoming significant obstacles that had stalled the projects.
“The three projects whose foundation stones are being laid today had been awaiting approval for funds since March 2021. Despite the best efforts of many individuals and committees, these projects were stalled. It was only due to the timely directives from the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Malik Mazhar Sultan v. UPSC and Others that these projects came to fruition within five months. I candidly state that without the efforts and guidance of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, these projects would not have become a reality.”
– Justice Manmohan stated.
The new court buildings, according to Justice Manmohan, will be classified as ‘green buildings’ by the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA). These buildings will be designed with comprehensive climate change resilience measures to ensure sustainability.
Justice Hima Kohli
Supreme Court judge Justice Hima Kohli highlighted the essential role of proper infrastructure in the judicial system.
She asserted-
“Without good infrastructure, justice cannot be served.”
Justice Kohli praised the progress made in judicial infrastructure projects, reminiscing about her tenure at the Delhi High Court when many of these projects were still in preliminary stages.
“When I was a judge at the Delhi High Court, I recall many of these projects being in the pipeline. A little nudge from the Supreme Court has activated all concerned. I hope the timelines are adhered to.”
– Justice Kohli remarked.
Atishi Marlena
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the judiciary and ensuring the delivery of justice, Atishi Marlena, a prominent member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting the judicial system in Delhi. Speaking at a recent gathering, Marlena highlighted the substantial increase in budgetary allocations for the Delhi High Court and district courts since the AAP came into power.
“Before we came to power, the total allocated budget was Rs.760 crore. This allocation has steadily increased and today stands at more than Rs.3,000 crore for the courts.”
– she stated emphatically, underscoring the party’s dedication to enhancing judicial infrastructure.
The AAP government’s focus on the judiciary is evident from the dramatic rise in financial support for the courts. The initial budget of Rs.760 crore has seen a steady increase, reaching over Rs.3,000 crores. This significant boost in funds is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system in Delhi.
Atishi Marlena assured the gathering that the AAP government of Delhi is determined to fulfill the promise of justice and will provide all support to the judiciary.
She reiterated-
“Before we took office, the total allocated budget was Rs.760 crore. This allocation has since been steadily increased, and today it stands at over Rs.3,000 crore for our court system.”
Atishi Marlena emphasized the importance of judicial infrastructure in securing justice for all. She pointed out that the AAP government has consistently worked towards enhancing the capacity and capability of the courts. This increase in budgetary allocation is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the judiciary has the necessary resources to operate efficiently.
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Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of the rule of law in a democracy as vast as India.
He stated-
“In a vast democracy like India, the rule of law and justice are essential to safeguard the rights of every individual, especially those at the end of the queue.”
LG Saxena emphasized the need to prioritize judicial infrastructure to achieve this goal.
He remarked-
“To achieve this, it is crucial to prioritize the development of judicial infrastructure.”
His comments underscored the critical role of a well-supported judiciary in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that justice is accessible to every citizen, regardless of their position in society.
