The Supreme Court has directed all High Court Chief Justices to review long-pending cases under laws like UAPA and ensure speedy trials. The court said the State must support accused facing “reverse burden” laws and prevent unnecessary delays.
Today, On 26th November, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant inaugurated the Constitution Day celebrations organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, marking a significant moment for the legal fraternity on the nation’s 76th Constitution Day. He urged renewed integrity and resolve.
CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant urged Indian courts to rely on Swadeshi jurisprudence instead of foreign rulings, stressing the need for a home-grown legal framework. He said Indian judgments must reflect the nation’s constitutional values and judicial maturity.
CJI-Designate Justice Surya Kant said, “Legal aid is where constitutional design meets reality and its availability must be made easier,” emphasising that true justice can be achieved only when legal assistance is accessible to every citizen equally.
The Delhi High Court has directed the MEA to ensure legal and diplomatic support for actress Celina Jaitly’s brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, allegedly detained in the UAE. The court also ordered appointment of a nodal officer to update his family on his condition and case.
The Supreme Court dismissed a legal aid appeal filed without a convict’s consent, calling it a misuse of law. The Bench said filing an SLP solely under a NALSA programme without approval cannot be justified.
Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most Supreme Court judge, stressed that the judiciary must evolve and innovate to effectively tackle modern challenges like digital exclusion, climate change, displacement, and transnational migration, warning that failure to do so could limit its true potential.
Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant expressed concern over many talented young lawyers avoiding pro bono and legal aid work, preferring lucrative corporate roles. “Success in law is measured by ethical weight, not money,” he emphasized.
Justice Sanjay Karol said the Constitution carries compassion for every human being, not just Indian citizens, while urging law students to “live the Constitution.” He called the Constitution his favourite book and a reminder of duty.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai said, “We have built temples of justice with doors too narrow for the very people they were meant to serve,” while stressing the urgent need to tackle rising case pendency nationwide.
