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Courts should not wait for citizens to die for their cases to be decided

Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud takes a jab at the judiciary

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) – “The concept of access justice should extend beyond mere access to Court; it should also guarantee that citizens receive timely judgments from Courts of law. Consider, for instance, the plight of a farmer entangled in a property dispute, a scenario all too common. Often, the outcome of the legal battle never comes to light during the farmer’s lifetime. Instead, the burden falls upon their legal heirs, who find themselves embroiled in protracted legal proceedings long after their loved one’s passing. We should not wait for our citizens to die for their case to be decided by a Court of law,” said Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud in the ‘Judicial Officers’ Conclave’ in Gujarat.

Highlights of Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud’s inaugural address

1. Hard to convince an advocate to engage in arguments While delivering a verdict on a complex case may seem straightforward, persuading an advocate to present their arguments is often met with difficulty, especially considering the routine adjournment of hearings. Imagine visiting a doctor only to be told, ‘I won’t treat you today. ‘Would you accept such a response ?

2. the Judiciary must uphold and reinforce the trust of citizens in its operations Despite the prevailing notion that Courts are plagued by frequent adjournments and delays, the Judiciary must undertake measures to ensure that citizens’ faith remains unshaken. This entails providing Courts with essential infrastructure and addressing issues such as overcrowding and delays in case filings promptly.

3. There is a growing tendency to deny bail in District Courts. This trend warrants a thorough re-evaluation. I want to hear from our District judges why this trend is emerging across the country.

4. Women face marginalisation within the judiciary

Women judges are often occupied with cases, resulting in the need to plan restroom breaks before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m., as I have been informed. Shockingly, only 6.7% of toilets in District Court complexes have facilities for sanitary napkin vending machines and are women-friendly. Adequate facilities are not provided to women judges and staff in Courts. Especially, women are marginalised within the judiciary.

Editorial Perspective

People believe that the Chief Justice himself should take the initiative in this matter and implement the necessary changes within his authority.

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