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Probe agencies being spread thin, says CJI

New Delhi, Dec 01 (ANI): Chief Justice of India, Justice D Y Chandrachud addresses the 14th VM Tarkunde Memorial Lecture, in New Delhi on Friday. (ANI Photo)

Justice Chandrachud says probe agencies like CBI must build their capacities to tackle crime besides harnessing Artificial Intelligence tools…reports Asian Lite News

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Monday said there is a need to have a “delicate balance” between the search and seizure powers vested with investigative agencies like the CBI and an individual’s right to privacy.

The CJI was delivering his keynote address at the 20th D P Kohli memorial lecture in the memory of the first director of the federal probe agency.

In the realm of criminal justice, the delicate balance between search and seizure powers and individual privacy rights stands and this is at the cornerstone of a fair and just society, Justice Chandrachud said.

He added that at the heart of this balance lies the need to uphold due process.

The CJI also flagged “unwarranted” confiscation of personal devices, saying there was a pressing need to strike a balance between investigative imperatives and individual privacy rights.

He also asked the investigative agencies to “pick their battles”, saying instead of spreading out too thinly in various cases, they should concentrate on crimes that threaten security and economic health of the country and public order.

Justice Chandrachud said the landscape of crime was evolving at an “unprecedented pace” and probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) must build their capacities to tackle them apart from harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

He said as our world becomes increasingly interconnected through the expansion of digital technologies — from cyber crime and digital fraud to the exploitation of emerging technologies for illicit purposes — law enforcement agencies like the CBI are faced with new and complex challenges that demand innovative solutions.

The investigating agencies have to keep up with the radical change in crime, he said.

‘Three criminal laws are significant’

Justice Chandrachud also termed the three new criminal laws passed by the Parliament as a ‘significant’ step towards modernising the justice system. The CJI said that the new laws encompass “substantive crime, procedure and evidence” and keeping a digital record of every stage of criminal investigation ensures a seamless flow of information.

He was speaking at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Raising Day in the national capital on Monday. He also praised CBI holds a huge responsibility and the country’s judiciary has played an instrumental role in strengthening the body.

Addressing the event, CJI Chandrachud said, “A public institution is expected to show the highest regard for the public good and to be open to public accountability by showcasing its performance. The CBI is being increasingly asked to delve into a diverse array of criminal cases beyond its role as an anti-corruption investigative agency. This places a huge responsibility on the CBI to live up to its motto of ‘Industry, Impartiality, and Integrity.'”

“Courts have been instrumental in strengthening the CBI. Initially, its jurisdiction was primarily focused on cases related to corruption, economic offences, and serious crimes that crossed state borders,” he added.

The Chief Justice further said that as the years progressed, the CBI saw a significant expansion in its jurisdiction which empowered the agency to investigate diverse cases, ranging from economic frauds and bank scams to financial irregularities and terrorism-related incidents.

Emphasising on the digital era, he said that the current challenges mean that the law enforcement agencies like the CBI face new and complex challenges that demand innovative solutions.

“In an era of digital transformation, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The interplay between law and technology holds immense potential to shape the course of crime detection at all three phases and going beyond it, in addressing wider perspectives in criminal justice reform. The landscape of crime is evolving at an unprecedented pace as our world becomes increasingly interconnected through the expansion of digital technologies,” Chandrachud said.

“From cybercrime and digital fraud to the exploitation of emerging technologies for illicit purposes, law enforcement agencies like the CBI are faced with new and complex challenges that demand innovative solutions. The investigating agencies have to keep up with the radical change in crime in a digitally connected world, to solve complex crime patterns,” he added.

Speaking about the three new criminal laws passed by the Parliament, he said that the new laws aim at digitising various aspects of criminal procedure.

“The new criminal laws enacted by Parliament encompass substantive crime, procedure and evidence. These laws aim at digitising various aspects of criminal procedure. This is a significant step towards modernising the justice system. From the initial registration of a First Information Report to the final delivery of judgement, every stage of a criminal investigation is slated to be recorded digitally under the purview of the proposed legislation,” Chandrachud said.

“This comprehensive approach ensures a seamless flow of information and is intended to facilitate better coordination and collaboration among stakeholders involved in the investigative and adjudicatory processes,” he added.

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SCO: CJI highlights tech incorporation in judicial system

CJI DY Chandrachud highlighted that the incorporation of technology in the Indian judicial system has made judicial institutions more accessible for all its citizens…reports Asian Lite News

Eighteenth meeting of Chief Justices and Chairpersons of the Supreme Courts of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States was held here under the Presidency of Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud on 10 and 11 March. The aim was to foster effective judicial cooperation among the Member States.

It was a two-day Joint interaction session wherein all SCO member states, two observer states (the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus), the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) and the SCO Secretariat had taken part physically except Pakistan who joined through video conference. On March 10, a Joint Interaction Session was held which included a brief description of the Judicial System followed in SCO Member and Observer states, as well as the challenges faced and measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The speakers included CJI DY Chandrachud, Kazakhastan SC Chairman Aslambek Mergaliyev, Vice President of SC of China Jinghong Gao, Kyrgyz Republic SC Chairman Zamirbek Bazarbekov, Pakistan Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Russian Chief Justice Vyacheslav M. Lebedev, Belarus SC Dy Chairman Valery Kalinkovich, Dy Chairman of Judiciary head of Iran Mohammad Mosaddegh Kahnamoee, Deputy Secretary General SCO Secretariat Janesh Kain and Rakesh Kumar Verma, Deputy Director, Executive Committee, RATS, SCO.

Justice DY Chandrachud initiated the joint session by giving a brief overview of India’s Judicial system. He shared the challenges faced by the Judicial institution during the COVID-19 pandemic, CJI focussed on the measures such as the adoption of technology for virtual hearings, live streaming of court proceedings, and e-filing undertaken by the Indian Judiciary to ensure access to justice.

He highlighted that the incorporation of technology in the Indian judicial system has made judicial institutions more accessible for all its citizens. The Heads of Judiciaries attending the Meeting also shared the functioning of their Judicial systems and challenges faced and the innovative measures taken by their Judiciaries to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the second day, 11th March, the discussion moved on to the first topic of discussion on “Smart Courts” and the future of the Judiciary.

CJI, while addressing the delegates, discussed India’s smart court initiatives. CJI stressed that the judicial system must ensure that timely and effective justice is delivered to all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status. He said that technology must be used to bridge the gap between citizens and the justice system. He shared that the “Smart Court” initiatives focused on simplifying procedures and increasing access for citizens to the justice delivery system through digital infrastructure.

He shared the recent endeavours made by the Supreme Court of India such as the launching of the e-version of Supreme Court Reports, AI-based live transcription of court proceedings and translation of judgments in multiple regional languages among others.

Participating in the discussion, Nail Akhmetzakirov, Head of the Court Administration of Kazakhstan highlighted that the introduction of technology in their judicial facilities had made court proceedings easy. He added that Kazakhstan has developed new software post-COVID-19 menace in order to make the electronic system in judicial services more accessible.

Rakhat Karimova, Judge of Kyrgyz Republic informed the delegates that the Judicial system of the Kyrgyz Republic is focused on just and effective measures for the interest of the people at large. He highlighted that the judiciary during and post-COVID-19 pandemic has been transitioning to the electronic system with the digitalization of all enforcement bodies. Believing that AI is the step to the future, Karimova stated that their judiciary is adopting new technologies which will expedite trials, and will also ensure the fulfilment of the duties by the judges by means of easy monitoring mechanisms, ensuring justice in real means.

The second topic of discussion was Facilitating “Access to Justice” (Justice should not be limited to privileged): issues, initiative, and prospects, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Judge Supreme Court of India, highlighted the importance of Access to Justice. He raised concerns regarding overly populated prisons by undertrials. He particularly emphasized that the issue of access to quality legal representation is a critical element in the criminal justice system.

He stressed the several mechanisms adopted by the Courts to resolve the problem of Access to Justice from both ends. First, while empowering citizens to actualize their rights under the Constitution of India and International Human Rights Law and second, by reforming the Criminal Justice machinery to protect the most vulnerable.

Participating in the discussion Xiaochen Qiann, Chief Judge of the case-filing division of the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China, added that it was of prime importance for the growth of the judiciary that modern public judicial services are built, featuring inclusiveness, equity, convenience, efficiency, intelligence and accuracy. He stressed that the court work overload and limited judicial resources are a global challenge which needs to be addressed both nationally and collectively as members of SCO.

Vyacheslav M Lebedev, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Russia highlighted that several laws had been created to protect the citizens including the system of claims, which can be filed by the plaintiffs at their own place of residence, allowing remote participation in court sessions, notifications via SMS regarding time and place of trial and availability of information regarding working of the court.

The third topic of discussion “Institutional Challenges facing Judiciary: Delays, Infrastructure, Representation, and Transparency”, Justice K. M. Joseph, Judge Supreme Court of India, highlighted the issue of high pendency of cases and the need for adequate infrastructure facilities as a means to Access to Justice.

Justice Joseph raised concern about the infrastructure gap between the Court halls and Residential Units in the District Judiciary. He also added that additional courts need to be projected to efficiently deal with the pending & freshly instituted cases and concluded by adding that progress is necessary to ensure India has an efficient, open and fair Judicial System. The participant also shared the common institutional challenges faced by the Judiciaries.

The two-day session involved joint interaction sessions, witnessing discussions on various important themes with the Chief Justices/ Chairpersons/ Judges from Member States/ Observer States and members of the SCO Secretariat and SCO RATS, and concluded with the signing of a joint statement.

The intention to strengthen and expand cooperation among the Supreme Courts of the SCO Member States and to promote the use of technology to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system and Access to Justice were deliberated upon during the course of the meeting.

In his closing address, Justice D Y Chandrachud stressed upon the need to collectively adopt new mechanisms to make court processes simpler and more accessible. He stressed that the SCO member states should strive for judicial cooperation in order to make the judicial system more approachable to the common people.

He highlighted several challenges facing the judicial systems in the SCO Member States and how this conference allowed all member and observer state to reflect upon the challenges that are common to their jurisdictions.

He emphasized that these issues need to be tackled with mutual cooperation and by sharing experiences and wisdom gathered. Whilst agreeing on a number of shared goals for the future of the judiciary of respective countries at the closure, Uzbekistan has collectively entrusted the presidency for the next meeting of Chief Justices/ Chairmans on the rotation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for the year 2024. (ANI)

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‘Discharged my duties as CJI in whatever way possible’

He also said that he learned a lot from the Registry, including listing of matters, preparation of roster and allotment of cases at the Delhi High Court…reports Asian Lite News

Outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana on Thursday said he has discharged his duties as Chief Justice in whatever possible way, saying almost every name for the appointment as Delhi High Court judges has been cleared.

“I think now, almost everything has been cleared except one or two names. I hope the government will clear those names also,” he said at a Delhi High Court Bar Association-organised farewell event on the eve of his superannuation.

“I hope that I stood up to the expectation which you expected from me. I discharged my duties as Chief Justice in whatever possible way. I have taken up two issues, all of you know, the infrastructure and the appointment of judges,” he said.

Expressing happiness over the support he got from every member of the bar, the CJI said: “Every member of the Bar, especially in Delhi, stood in solidarity and passed a resolution supporting me. I am extremely proud and happy to have such support.”

He also said that he learned a lot from the Registry, including listing of matters, preparation of roster and allotment of cases at the Delhi High Court.

“Delhi High Court has peculiar features and specialty. It is located in the capital. The amount of litigation, variety of subjects, we cannot compare with any High Court in the country,” he said hailing the discipline of the court members.

CJI Ramana, who succeeded Chief Justice S.A. Bobde in April 2021, is set to retire on Friday.

Earlier this week, CJI Ramana said in the Constituent Assembly and in the early days of the Parliament, the House was dominated by legal professionals, which led to “an outstanding Constitution and flawless laws”, but now, the number of lawyers has dwindled and that space is taken by others.

In his address at a felicitation function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association in honour of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, he said: “On every possible occasion I keep mentioning about the great contribution made by our legal community in our freedom struggle and in framing of the Constitution. In the Constituent Assembly and in the early days of our Parliament, the House was dominated by legal professionals.”

“As a result, we got outstanding Constitution and flawless laws. Nowadays the number of lawyers has dwindled and that space is taken by others. I do not want to comment any further.”

He said legal education, practice and acquaintance with the justice system exposes one to many social realities and gives a deeper understanding of rule of law and equity.

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Number of lawyers dwindling, says CJI

The CJI pointed out Dhankhar is known to have a proactive approach, be it as a lawyer, as an elected representative, as a minister or as a Governor till recently…reports Asian Lite News

Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Monday said in the Constituent Assembly and in the early days of the Parliament, the House was dominated by legal professionals, which led to “an outstanding Constitution and flawless laws”, but now, the number of lawyers has dwindled and that space is taken by others.

In his address at a felicitation function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association in honour of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, he said: “On every possible occasion I keep mentioning about the great contribution made by our legal community in our freedom struggle and in framing of the Constitution. In the Constituent Assembly and in the early days of our Parliament, the House was dominated by legal professionals.”

“As a result, we got outstanding Constitution and flawless laws. Nowadays the number of lawyers has dwindled and that space is taken by others. I do not want to comment any further.”

He said legal education, practice and acquaintance with the justice system exposes one to many social realities and gives a deeper understanding of rule of law and equity.

The Chief Justice said Dhankar, son of a farmer and a senior advocate, during his tenure, will have the unique and challenging opportunity to ensure smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha as its ex-officio Chairman, and this calls for harmonising the interests of all sides of the House.

“I know, it is not easy to satisfy each Member of the House. But I am confident that with his rich court craft and exposure in diverse fields, Dhankhar will definitely manage to take along all sections of the House.. Very soon I am going to retire, and I hope to watch on television, quality debates in Rajya Sabha,” he said.

He added: “It gives us immense joy that someone from the legal fraternity has reached such a position. Despite being a first generation legal professional, Dhankhar achieved great heights in the field. He made a prominent name for himself and made his presence felt in the court room.”

The CJI pointed out Dhankhar is known to have a proactive approach, be it as a lawyer, as an elected representative, as a minister or as a Governor till recently. “His passion and commitment to the causes he champions while assisting the court are remarkable. His rich legal experience brings with it the promise of upholding and furthering constitutional values while discharging the duties of high Constitutional Office,” said the Chief Justice, who is set to demit office on August 26.

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CJI has 10 days to decide on five important cases

On August 4, a three-judge bench headed by him had said that the court would decide on August 8 whether to refer some issues involved in the Maharashtra political crisis to a five-judge constitution bench…reports Asian Lite News

With just 10 days left in office, Chief Justice N.V. Ramana’s decision is awaited on five key matters — Maharashtra political scenario, report by Pegasus panel, PMs security lapse in Punjab, attempt by Maharashtra Wakf Board to replace Attorney General K.K. Venugopal as the counsel in the case, setting up of a bench to hear petitions against the Karnataka High Court judgment banning wearing of hijab in pre-university colleges in the state — and others, which include petitions challenging Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and listing of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370, which provided a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Justice Ramana has been vocal about non-filling up of judicial vacancies and not improving the judicial infrastructure as the main reason for pendency of cases in the country. He has also emphasised access to justice for the people from the weaker sections of the society.

Ramana has minced no words in criticising the government while speaking at public fora and also tried to decide matters of constitutional salience — on May 11, a bench headed by him put on hold the colonial-era penal provision of sedition, saying the court is cognizant of the integrity of the state on one hand, and the civil liberties of citizens on the other.

The Chief Justice is scheduled to retire on August 26.

Last week, the Chief Justice shot a volley of questions at senior advocate Harish Salve, representing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while hearing petitions filed by the Shiv Sena and its rebel MLAs on constitutional issues of split, merger, defection, and disqualification.

On August 4, a three-judge bench headed by him had said that the court would decide on August 8 whether to refer some issues involved in the Maharashtra political crisis to a five-judge constitution bench.

The apex court had also asked the Election Commission of India not to decide the application filed by the Shinde camp for recognising them as the real Shiv Sena’ and allotment of the party symbol. The matter is likely to come up for hearing soon.

Reportedly, the court-constituted Pegasus panel has submitted its report in the alleged misuse of the Pegasus spyware to spy on journalists, politicians and activists. The committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge R.V. Raveendran. The contents of the report remain confidential. The top court decision on the panel’s report is awaited.

On August 3, the Supreme Court had agreed to set up a bench to consider a clutch of pleas against the Karnataka High Court judgment, which upheld the right of educational institutions to ban wearing of hijab in pre-university colleges in the state. While mentioning the matter for listing, a counsel urged the top court to fix a date in the matter, as petitions against the high court judgment were filed in March.

In January this year, the top court had said that an enquiry committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra, will investigate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security breach in Punjab.

A bench headed by justice Ramana, outlining the terms of reference for the enquiry committee, said, “What were the causes for the security breach for the incident on 5th January 2022? Who is responsible for such a breach, and to what extent? What should be the remedial measures or safeguards necessary for the security of the Prime Minister or other protectees?”

The top court order came on a petition by the NGO, Lawyer’s Voice, which was represented by senior advocate Maninder Singh. The petitioner had emphasised on the importance of protection to the PM of the country and urged the court to constitute an independent committee to probe the matter. The matter has not come up for hearing so far, since then.

On August 2, a bench headed by Ramana expressed discontent with the Maharashtra Wakf Board for attempting to replace Attorney General (AG) K.K. Venugopal as a counsel in the case, in the middle of hearing on an important question – whether all land donated by Muslims for charitable work would come under Wakf.

The AG had also written to the Supreme Court to take strong exception to the action taken by the Wakf Board.

“All this interference with the counsel who are to represent the parties being removed at the last minute is a serious, uncalled for, and unwarranted attempt to interfere in the due administration of justice by removing counsel representing the parties. This clearly is an act of contempt of court,” the AG said in his letter to the registrar (judicial). The top court is likely to take up this matter soon.

In April this year, the Supreme Court said a reconstituted five-judge constitution bench would deal with the batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370, as one of the judges on the bench, Justice R. Subhash Reddy, had since retired.

A bench headed by Chief Justice. Ramana indicated that the reconstituted bench might hear the matter after the summer vacation. However, the matter has not been listed so far.

In December 2019, the top court had issued notice on petitions challenging the validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. In December 2019, the top court had declined to give interim relief in the matter. The matter has been pending for two years now.

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Sinha: Fully endorse CJI’s affirmation on constitution allegiance

The Centre has no respect for the Federal Structure of the Constitution. It is constantly encroaching upon the powers of states,” he explained…reports Asian Lite News

Opposition’s Presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha, who arrived in Bengaluru on Sunday as part of his poll campaign, said that he was very happy to see in the newspapers a statement by Chief Justice of India, N.V. Ramana, that the “Judiciary is answerable to the Constitution and Constitution alone.”

Addressing media persons here, he said, “I fully endorse this view and congratulate CJI Ramana for this forthright affirmation. Indeed, I have been saying, since I filed my nomination papers on June 27, that the sole purpose behind my acceptance of the combined Opposition’s offer to be their candidate is to safeguard the Constitution and its lofty values, which are today under unprecedented threat.”

In the past eight years, the ruling dispensation at the Centre has launched repeated assaults on democracy and secularism, which form the founding principles of our Republic, he stated.

“It has unleashed a poisonous communal propaganda to divide India’s multi-religious society. Day before yesterday, the Supreme Court made a stinging indictment of Nupur Sharma’s remarks on Prophet Mohammad, saying ‘Your loose tongue set nation on fire.’ Regrettably, BJP supporters are trolling the Honourable Supreme Court for condemning her remarks,” Yashwant Sinha said.

“The central government has weaponised ED, CBI, Election Commission and even the Governor’s office against Opposition parties, their leaders and their governments. In Maharashtra, it toppled the coalition government of the Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress by facilitating the kidnapping of Shiv Sena MLAs to Gujarat and Assam, both being BJP-ruled states. The Centre has no respect for the Federal Structure of the Constitution. It is constantly encroaching upon the powers of states,” he explained.

“In Karnataka, the government has been attempting to communalise the minds of the young generation by introducing a new school curriculum coloured by the ruling party’s ideological agenda. I condemn this,” he said.

“I have great personal regard for the presidential candidate of the ruling party. However, in the prevailing grim circumstances in the country, I urge her to assure the people of India on the following concerns that are uppermost in their minds,” he maintained.

“I hereby pledge that, if elected, I shall be answerable to the Constitution, and to the Constitution alone. I shall exercise my authority conscientiously, without fear or favour, whenever the executive or other institutions break the Constitutional checks and balances. Please make a similar pledge,” he urged.

“I am very happy to be in Karnataka on the fifth day of my campaign. My sincere thanks to Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar and all other leaders of the Congress for the opportunity to meet with the MPs and MLAs of the party in Bengaluru. I also thank them for supporting my candidature in the Presidential election campaign 2022,” he stated.

He maintained that he has a great admiration for Karnataka because of its rich spiritual, cultural and intellectual heritage, and its valuable contribution to India’s freedom struggle.

This is the land of Jagadguru Basaveshwara, who started a mission for a casteless society and also founded a Democratic Parliament in the 12th Century, he said.

“Karnataka has given India great saint-poets like Kanaka Dasa who advocated equality of all human beings irrespective of their caste and creed. In modern times, it has produced a galaxy of towering personalities in literature, arts and cinema such as poet Kuvempu and Dr Rajkumar. Bengaluru today rivals Silicon Valley in software and other knowledge-based enterprises,” he said.

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We must remain ever vigilant against divisiveness, says CJI  

Earlier in the day, the Chief Justice also visited the Jallianwala Bagh and paid homage to the freedom fighters…reports Asian Lite News

Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Friday said one must remain vigilant against divisiveness and only through unity, can peace and progress be achieved.

He made the comments while visiting the Partition Museum in Amritsar.

“This museum reminds us of our tragic past and warns us against divisions of all kinds. It portrays vividly the losses suffered by mankind on an unprecedented scale due to the divide and rule policy of colonial powers. This dark chapter in our history should serve as a lesson to mankind. We must remain ever vigilant against divisiveness. Only through unity can we achieve peace and progress,” Chief Justice Ramana observed in the visitors’ book after walking through the museum.

Earlier, in the day, the Chief Justice also visited the Jallianwala Bagh and paid homage to the freedom fighters.

“Jallianwala Bagh manifests the strength and resilience of the people of this country. This serene garden is symbolic of the great sacrifice made in the face of tyranny. It serves as a reminder of the heavy price paid for freedom, which we must always cherish and protect,” he wrote in the visitors’ book.

The Chief Justice also visited the Wagah Border and zero point.

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CJI delineates qualities of a judge

“Justice Reddy’s journey is a testament to his values. His life and journey will continue to inspire many young lawyers,” he added…reports Asian Lite News.

Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Tuesday said for a judge, one must be steadfast in holding on to their principles and fearless in their decisions and on bench, a judge cannot defend himself against even motivated attacks, but a retired judge is free to defend himself, when the need arises.

In his remarks at the virtual farewell organised for retiring colleague, Justice R. Subhash Reddy, by the Supreme Court Bar Association, he said: “There are many qualities that a person needs to have to lead a good life: humility, patience, kindness and a strong work ethic. Most importantly, particularly for a judge, one must be steadfast in holding on to their principles and fearless in their decisions.”

“Our values are our greatest wealth, and we must never forget the same,” he said.

“Justice Reddy’s journey is a testament to his values. His life and journey will continue to inspire many young lawyers,” he added.

Chief Justice Ramana said retirement is just like freedom regained, particularly for a judge. “He is free from all the restrictions that come with the office. He can express his views on all issues freely and frankly. When on the Bench, a judge cannot defend himself against even motivated attacks. A retired judge is free to defend himself, when the need arises.”

He said Justice Reddy always upheld and protected the people’s liberties through his judgements, and valued the fundamental rights of all citizens of this country. “He has taken up several death penalty cases, and he would spend an immense amount of time on them to ensure that the person gets a fair chance at justice even at the last stage,” he added.

The CJI added that Justice Reddy is known for his compassion and consciousness about social realities. “The paramount standards of his ethical conduct and beliefs are all reflected in his fine and well-crafted judgments. People with genuine causes would never go empty-handed from his court,” he said.

Justice Reddy also showed a resolute and dedicated commitment on the administrative side of the Supreme Court while serving as a member of the Supreme Court Judges’ Committee constituted for ensuring speedy disposal of rape cases across the country, he noted.

The Chief Justice said: “Justice Reddy has a deep interest in philosophy, culture, music and education. He readily endeared himself to all his peers through his simplicity and sincerity.”

Justice Reddy practiced for 22 years at tribunals, civil courts, the Andhra Pradesh High Court and also before the Supreme Court in civil, criminal, constitutional, revenue, taxation, labour, company and service matters in both original and appellate side.

He was appointed as an additional judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, his parent high court, on December 2, 2002, and sworn in as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on June 24, 2004. Justice Reddy was elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on November 2, 2018.

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CJI asks to protect judiciary from ‘targeted attacks’

Justice Ramana said as people with intimate knowledge of the Constitution and the laws, it is the lawyers’ responsibility to educate the rest of the citizenry about the role that they play in society…reports Asian Lite News.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana on Friday urged lawyers to protect the institution from motivated and targeted attacks and to not shy away from standing up for what is right, and against what is wrong.

The Chief Justice made the remarks while addressing a Constitution Day celebration organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association.

“I want to tell all of you, that you must assist judges and the institution. We are all ultimately part of one large family. Protect the institution from motivated and targeted attacks. Do not shy away from standing up for what is right, and against what is wrong,” the CJI said.

Justice Ramana said as people with intimate knowledge of the Constitution and the laws, it is the lawyers’ responsibility to educate the rest of the citizenry about the role that they play in society.

“The history, present and the future of this nation lie on your shoulders. This is a heavy, if not the heaviest, burden to bear. This profession is called a noble profession for a reason. It demands expertise, experience, and commitment, like any other profession. But in addition to the above, it also requires integrity, knowledge of social issues, social responsibility, and civic virtue. You must be leaders and mentors in society.”

Justice Ramana asked the lawyers to actively take up pro bono cases and be worthy of the confidence reposed in them by the public.

He expressed happiness at being part of the legal community, which has given so much to the freedom struggle and played such an integral role in the drafting of the Constitution. “None can forget the contributions of lawyers such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Patel and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, whose dedication and sacrifices for the cause of the people are legendary. All of us here are successors of that glorious legacy.”

He said the Constitution of today, built upon the foundations laid by the framers, is a richer and more complex document than what it was when it was adopted in 1949, and it is a result of the dialogue that took place both inside and outside the courtroom, resulting in novel and unique interpretations.

“Perhaps, the most important feature of the Indian Constitution is the fact that it provides a framework for debate. It is through such debate and discussion that the nation ultimately progresses, evolves, and achieves higher levels of welfare for the people. The most direct and visible players in this process are, of course, the lawyers and judges of this country,” the CJI added.

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Plea in SC seeks CJI to look into targeted killings in Kashmir

The plea urged the top court to give directions to the Centre to provide adequate security to Hindu and Sikh minorities in Kashmir at the earliest…reports Asian Lite News

 A Delhi-based lawyer has filed a letter petition in the Supreme Court urging the Chief Justice of India, N.V. Ramana, to take cognizance of the recent targeted killing of Hindus and Sikhs in Kashmir.

The lawyer, Vineet Jindal, said that he had recently come across news from different news publications, social media and electronic media regarding targeted killing of Hindu and Sikh minorities in Kashmir.

He said in five days, seven civilians have been killed in Kashmir, including those from the Sikh and Hindu communities.

“The targeted killings of pharmacist Makhan Lal Bindroo, Supinder Kaur, the Sikh principal of Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Sangam Eidgah area of Srinagar, and Deepak Chand, a Hindu teacher in the same school, have evoked a feeling of agony, fear and insecurity among the minorities residing in Kashmir,” said the petition.

The plea said the targeted killing of the members of minority communities has reminded people of the gory incident of massacre of 36 Sikhs in Chattisinghpora village in Anantnag in 2000.

“Many government employees who returned to the Valley after being given jobs under the Prime Minister’s special employment scheme for Kashmiri migrants have quietly left their accommodations with the fear of losing their lives and for the sake of their families’ well-being,” added the plea.

The plea urged the top court to give directions to the Centre to provide adequate security to Hindu and Sikh minorities in Kashmir at the earliest.

Also, it urged the CJI to establish a special delegated unit to structure and administer a system to ensure the safety and security of the minority groups in Kashmir.

The plea urged the top court to issue direction to the National Security Agency to investigate the recent killing of Hindu and Sikh minorities, and also grant Rs 1 crore as compensation to the families of the victims along with a government job to one of the family members.

Citing Article 21, which says no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law, the plea said the acts of killing against these minority groups call for creating and adopting a comprehensive mechanism to secure the lives of these sections of people.

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