Faith in judiciary biggest strength of democracy: Justice NV Ramana

Faith in judiciary biggest strength of democracy: Justice NV Ramana

Chief Justice advises people not to hesitate in approaching courts

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana chided those who take pride in not having seen a court building in their life. Speaking at the inaugural function of the new annex building of the Bombay High Court's Aurangabad Bench, he said that many times people were reluctant from approaching the courts.

"But it is time we dispel this notion. A common man deals with multiple issues in his lifetime and he should not hesitate in approaching the courts. People's faith in the judiciary is the biggest strength of democracy," he stressed.

Courts in India assure constitutional rights and have upheld the freedom of individuals and safeguarded them against actions of the executive.

Displeased at the state of judicial infrastructure in the country, Justice Ramana pointed out, "The total judicial officers in the country are 24,280 and the number of court halls is 20,143, including 623 rental spaces."

He pointed out the general mindset of the people that the courts in India operated from dilapidated structures. As a result, there were difficulties in performing the judicial functions. It was, therefore, imperative that proper infrastructure facilities are created for effective dispensation of justice.

"If you want a different outcome from the judicial system, we cannot continue to work in the present conditions. An integral aspect is financial autonomy. I have sent a proposal for the establishment of a national judicial infrastructure authority to the ministry," the CJI said.

He stated that an effective judiciary could help in the growth of the economy and that the failure to deliver justice affected the country.

"I am hoping for a positive response and trust that (the matter) is taken up in the winter session of the Parliament," he added.