Judiciary Should Safeguard Dissent: Chief Justice of India

CJI was speaking at a function to commemorate 150th anniversary of the Allahabad High Court

Justice TS Thakur, Chief Justice of India. (Photo: IANS)

Judiciary as an institution is facing crisis of credibility which is a challenge from within, Chief Justice of India T S Thakur said on Sunday as he asked judges to be conscientious of their duties. With concern being raised over huge pendency of cases, Justice Thakur did not mince any words.

Bar has not been very very cooperative in disposal of cases even if judges are ready to put extra hours. At times judges feel that the delay in the disposal of cases is only because the Bar does not, at times, cooperate.

<b>Justice TS Thakur, Chief Justice of Supreme Court</b>

Justice Thakur was speaking at a function to commemorate 150th anniversary of the Allahabad High Court. The CJI said he can assure the lawyers that if Bar cooperates, judges will be ready to sit even on Saturdays to finish old matters, especially related to people languishing in jail for years.

Underlining the glorious history of Allahabad High Court, he said it is a matter of great pride for him that Pandit Motilal Nehru, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Kailash Nath Katju, who have left indelible marks in history, belong to his home state Jammu and Kashmir.

Difficult times have been seen by this court but judges have risen to the occasion, But we cannot sleep or rejoice over the laurels of the past only. We have great challenges in future and we need to get ready to meet those challenges and when I speak about challenges from within I am referring to the crisis of credibility that we face in the country today.

<b>Justice TS Thakur, Chief Justice of Supreme Court</b>

Justice Thakur added that judiciary should be committed to safeguard dialogue and dissent which are essential characteristics of a democratic society.

Judges, in the administration of justice, ought to make a wise use of judicial powers. They need to discharge their duties in a manner that promotes dialogue and protects dissent. Law tends to follow precedents. But it must be kept in mind that administration of justice also necessarily involves interpretation of laws, in accordance with contemporary needs and challenges

<b>Justice TS Thakur, Chief Justice of Supreme Court</b>