K’taka CM Siddaramaiah, CJI DY Chandrachud address 21st Biennial State Level Conference of judicial officers
The Chief Justice of India during his speech quoted playwright Shivram Karanth and said, “For the bird sitting on the tree, there is no fear of falling, for the bird trusts its wings and not the branch.”
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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud. (File Photos)Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud addressed a gathering on Saturday morning at the Dr Babu Rajendra Prasad International Convention Centre in Yelahanka, on the occasion of the 21st Biennial State Level Conference of Judicial Officers.
Also present were Karnataka Chief Justice N V Anjaria and several other judges of the Supreme Court as well as other judicial officers and personnel.
Speaking at the outset of the event, CM Siddaramaiah said, ” The judiciary’s role as the ultimate guardian of rights and liberties resonated deeply with my own aspirations to serve society. The modern Indian judicial system, enriched by the legacy (of Dr B.R Ambedkar) also draws its values from the teachings of Buddha, Basava, Narayana Guru and others; and the enlightening vachanas of many progressive thinkers of our nation.”
Meanwhile, CJI Chandrachud opened his address with a greeting in Kannada. He then inaugurated the event with an address on the topic of ‘Equity and Excellence for a futuristic judiciary’.
He said, “It is our district judges who are the first point of contact for our citizens. In every case that we decide, we represent the quest for justice, and with true justice, we seek to bring about a transformation in the world around us.”
The CJI also noted the fact that from February 1, 2023, to March 23 2024, 21.25 lakh cases had entered the system in Karnataka at the district level, while an almost equal number of cases had been resolved by the judiciary. He said, “Across India, this is really a performance to replicate and emulate.”
The CJI added that an internet divide existed, where not all lawyers might have access to laptops or phones, which could be mitigated with e-Sewa Kendras equipped with necessary facilities. He also noted the importance of work-life balance within the judiciary and managing stress.
CJI Chandrachud also highlighted the importance of data collection in order to resolve the various problems of the district judiciaries. Quoting an American statistician, he said,” In God we trust, all others must bring data.”
The CJI also described the situation of including women in the judicial process as “heartening”, as the strength of women at the district judicial level across India has risen to 37 percent, while 44 percent of civil judges in Karnataka are women. He added,” Karnataka in that sense is leading the social transformation across India.”
He added that mere numbers are not enough, and all parties such as courts, governments and male members of the judiciary would have to help create an inclusive atmosphere.
He also noted the importance of infrastructure such as washrooms and other necessities for women litigants, lawyers and staff at the district level courts.
The Chief Justice of India concluded his speech with a quote by playwright Shivram Karanth and said, “For the bird sitting on the tree, there is no fear of falling, for the bird trusts its wings and not the branch.”
The CJI urged the judicial officers present to keep these words in mind and trust in their abilities, not hesitating to deliver bold decisions.
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