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Justice Ritu Bahri Becomes First Woman Acting Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court

She also initiated projects, such as the production of newspaper and fabric bags, to offer employment to female laborers, enabling them to face the “tough times” with dignity and economic stability…reports Asian Lite News

In a groundbreaking milestone for the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Ritu Bahri has made history by becoming the first woman to assume the role of acting Chief Justice. This historic announcement came on the eve of the retirement of Chief Justice Ravi Shanker Jha, underscoring Justice Bahri’s position as a pioneering figure in the legal realm.

Born on October 11, 1962, in Jalandhar, Justice Ritu Bahri hails from a family deeply rooted in the legal profession. Her lineage is marked by legal luminaries, including her great-grandfather, the late Karam Chand Bahri, a renowned civil lawyer. Her grandfather, the late Som Dutt Bahri, not only followed in his footsteps but also served as a Punjab MLA from 1952 to 1957. Justice Bahri’s father, Justice Amrit Lal Bahri, retired as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1994, affirming the family’s steadfast commitment to justice and the rule of law.

Justice Bahri embarked on her illustrious legal journey when she pursued her law degree at Panjab University in 1985. Her career is marked by a string of accomplishments, reflecting her unwavering dedication to justice and societal welfare. Notable roles include serving as the Haryana Assistant Advocate-General in 1992, Deputy Advocate-General in 1999, and Senior Additional Advocate-General in December 2009. Her ascent in the legal field stands as a testament to her legal acumen and dedication to the law.

However, what truly distinguishes Justice Bahri is not just her legal expertise but also her profound compassion and commitment to humanitarian causes. During the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic, she exhibited remarkable leadership by providing homes to economically disadvantaged individuals and low-income groups. She also initiated projects, such as the production of newspaper and fabric bags, to offer employment to female laborers, enabling them to face the “tough times” with dignity and economic stability.

Justice Bahri recognized the critical importance of education and social equity. She bridged the educational divide between urban and rural school students by distributing books, toys, and snacks, ensuring that every child had access to educational resources and opportunities. Her dedication to justice extends to family matters as she championed the cause of shared parenting between estranged couples, advocating for the welfare of children caught in the midst of parental separation.

As Justice Bahri takes on the role of acting Chief Justice, her appointment represents not only the advancement of women in the legal profession but also her unyielding commitment to justice, equality, and humanitarian values. Her unique blend of legal expertise and social consciousness positions her as a formidable presence in the legal community and a source of inspiration, especially for aspiring female lawyers.

In an era when diversity and inclusivity take center stage in conversations, Justice Ritu Bahri’s appointment as the first woman acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is a pivotal moment in the annals of legal history. Her legacy will undoubtedly leave an enduring mark on the pursuit of justice and equality in the region, and her journey stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the law.

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India News Lite Blogs

Shikha Pal’s 4 months ‘water tank’ protest for justice

“It has been 120 days but the government has not even taken cognisance of my protest,” she said…reports Asian Lite News.

Since the past 120 days, Shikha Pal, 36, has been living atop a water tank near the Directorate of Education, in Nishatganj area in Lucknow.

She is not aiming at setting any record but it is a kind of protest.

Shikha is demanding that the government include her in the 22,000 seats left vacant when the recruitment for 69,000 teaching posts was recently carried out.

Shikha claims that she has completed her Master’s degree from Lucknow University in commerce but is still forced to fight for a job in this unique manner.

She says that she is forced to spend her days and cold December nights atop the water tank.

“I do not leave my perch for anything other than to use the washroom. Protesters below the tank pass me food and other essential things in a bag through a rope. I charge my mobile phone using a power bank. My mother is dependent on me but I am continuing the protest,” said Shikha.

Shikha said that she is even willing to teach in a primary school run by the education department.

“It has been 120 days but the government has not even taken cognisance of my protest,” she said.

Meanwhile, director-general, school education, Anamika Singh, said, “They have met us many times. We have also explained things to them. This is not the way to protest. We are sympathetic towards them. We are ready for a dialogue.”

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-Top News India News

Tight-rope walk for judges, more so for a SC judge, says CJI

He stressed judges must not forget the social dimensions that is at the heart of every case before us. “This is our sacred duty and a burden that we bear gladly,” he added…reports Asian Lite News.

Chief Justice N.V. Ramana on Wednesday said the process of decision-making goes beyond the knowledge and application of principles of law, as he emphasised how judges are often caught in the dilemma of morality versus legality, in the quest to deliver justice.

In his remarks at Supreme Court judge, Justice Navin Sinha’s virtual farewell function, organised by Supreme Court Bar Association, he cited a quote: “Doing the right thing is not the problem. Knowing what the right thing is, that’s the challenge. We judges are often caught in the dilemma of morality versus legality, in our quest to deliver justice. There are multiple sleepless nights, that we go through to resolve such issues. It is often a tight-rope walk, more so, for a Supreme Court judge. After all, the Supreme Court is the final arbiter.”

Chief Justice Ramana emphasized the process of decision making goes beyond the knowledge and application of principle of law. “It needs moral courage to render an opinion which might displease many. It is imperative for judges not to be swayed by these external pressures”, he said.

He noted that impartiality is not an easy quality to possess or apply to the cases before them.

“We often carry our individual baggage, our biases and prejudices which can unconsciously affect the decision-making process. Our social conditions, upbringing and life experiences often colour our opinions and notions. But, when we adorn the robe of a judge, we must make a conscious effort to cast aside our biases and prejudices,” said the CJI, adding equality, objectivity and even-handedness form crucial aspects of fairness.

He stressed judges must not forget the social dimensions that is at the heart of every case before us. “This is our sacred duty and a burden that we bear gladly,” he added.

Justice Sinha was elevated to the top court on February 17, 2017. During his tenure, he penned 114 judgments on diverse topics including intellectual property, criminal law, and many more. He has disposed of over 13,671 cases in the Supreme Court.

In his farewell speech, he emphasised on training young lawyers to benefit both the bar and the bench. “Humility lies in recognising one’s own shortcoming and address it. In today’s time when competition is stiff and laws are tough, I believe younger generation of lawyers need to be trained,” said Justice Sinha.

He further added that young lawyers must be taught manner and demeanour of a lawyer. “When the lawyer appears, a judge should be able to trust him..,” Justice Sinha said.

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Hollywood Lite Blogs

Hollywood hails verdict on Floyd case

All through Wednesday, support and respect for Floyd continued pouring on social media from netizens and celebrities…reports Asian Lite News.

The brutal death of George Floyd really shocked people around the world. Hollywood celebrities hailed Wednesday’s verdict declaring former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin guilty of killing African-American man George Floyd.

Chauvin went on trial for pinning Floyd to the pavement with his knee on May 25 last year for over nine minutes, which led to the latter’s death. The incident triggered the Black Lives Matter campaign.

Welcoming the court’s verdict, many Hollywood celebrities took to social media and paid respect to Floyd, echoing that justice had finally been served.

Singer Demi Lovato posted on Instagram: “Rest In Power, George Floyed #blacklivesmatter.”

Actress Viola Davis wrote: “GUILTY!!!! As it should!! Now….rest in peace George Floyd. Rest. You and your family have been vindicated. #SayHisName”

Avengers actor Chris Evans tweeted: “Justice. Sending love to George Floyd’s family.”

Singer Katy Perry tweeted: “Rest In Justice George Floyd” Whereas, Kerry Washington tweeted: “A guilty #verdict. But this fight for justice is not over. We have a lot of work to do. There is more fight ahead of us. But RIGHT NOW please take CARE of yourself. And let’s take care of each other. Prayers and love to the family of #GeorgeFloyd.”

All through Wednesday, support and respect for Floyd continued pouring on social media from netizens and celebrities.

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