CJI DY Chandrachud emphasized the necessity to eradicate the culture of adjournments and constant delays, often referred to as “Tareekh pe Tareekh” (Date after Date) within the district judiciary. He stressed the importance of changing the perception of litigants towards the judiciary.
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Gujarat: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized Today (2 March) that the practice of adjournments and the “tareekh pe tareekh (dates after dates)” culture must be eradicated from the district judiciary to alter its perception in the eyes of litigants.
“The common citizen feels that adjournment is a part of the judicial process, and my experience is that it is easier to decide a complex case with a judgment than to persuade a lawyer to argue a case,”
-the CJI stated during his address at the Judicial Officers Conclave in Kachchh, Gujarat.
Highlighting the prevalence of adjournments as a norm, he drew a parallel by likening it to a patient visiting a doctor only to be informed that they won’t receive treatment that day.
“Often, legal decisions do not materialize within the lifetimes of farmers. We should not wait for our citizens to pass away while awaiting a judicial outcome. The concept of access to justice must extend beyond access to courts and materialize in the form of court decisions,”
-emphasized CJI Chandrachud.
Justice Sunita Aggarwal, Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, echoed CJI Chandrachud’s sentiments, emphasizing that judges hold a “pivotal role in shaping the image of their own court”.
“Each judge should collectively strive to establish rules within their jurisdiction, ensuring that adjournments are minimized or not granted at all. This proactive approach can lead to significant improvements,”
-she remarked.
Addressing the issue of the restraint observed by the district judiciary in matters concerning personal liberty, the CJI expressed his concerns, stating,
“There is a growing concern that district courts are exhibiting restraint in cases involving personal liberty. The principle that bail is the norm seems to be losing ground in district courts, and this trend requires careful examination. It is imperative that all district judges provide insights into why this trend is emerging.”
Encouraging the district judiciary to embrace social media without hesitation, CJI Chandrachud shared his own experiences, stating,
“I have also faced scrutiny, where every word uttered is scrutinized like a bullet. However, should we shy away from it? Absolutely not.”
ALSO READ: PIL filed Against CJI Chandrachud before National Human Rights Commission
Furthermore, the Chief Justice of India voiced apprehensions regarding the inadequate facilities for women within the judiciary. He highlighted the disparity despite the presence of women judges, emphasizing the need for gender-inclusive amenities.
“Only 6 percent of district courts are equipped with women-friendly sanitary vending machines. I’ve been informed that female civil judges often face challenges accessing restroom facilities, having to wait for extended periods due to shared spaces with undertrials. Similar issues arise with childcare centers. This places an additional burden on women, affecting their work-life balance. Addressing these concerns is crucial for fostering an inclusive workplace environment. Gender equality is not solely a concern for women but also for men,”
-CJI Chandrachud emphasized.
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