Vijayawada 20th August : Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V.Ramana on Saturday stated that when people lose faith and confidence in the judiciary, then the existence of democracy could be in danger.Justice Ramana, who is scheduled to leave office next week said it was essential in order to make sure people don’t lose faith and confidence in the judiciary.
“If the public loses trust and confidence in the judiciary and if and when the judiciary fails the very existence of democracy is at risk,” the CJI said.
Justice Ramana was speaking after the official opening of Vijayawada Court Complex here in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court Prashant Kumar Mishra and the judges of the high court as well as other courts.
He stated that during his time as Chief Justice, he focused on filling vacant positions of judges.As up to 250 judges from the high court were appointed.
The CJI said that filling the vacant posts of judges and improving the infrastructure were two of the issues at the high of his list during his term of one and a half years.
He claimed that during his time as the CJI 250 judges of the high court were appointed.
Twelve judges from the Supreme Court and 15 chief justices of various state high courts were appointed as well.
The CJI stated that he made sure that all sections of society, particularly women and the backward classes, receive the proper representation in the judiciary.
He stated that he discussed the filling of vacant positions of judges and the improvement of infrastructure in courts across the nation and discussed the subject with the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, Central Ministers , and Chief Justices.
In light of the financial difficulties that some states face, he wanted the Centre to offer funds to the state to construct of court structures.
“Though there was some resistance from the Centre and certain Chief Ministers, particularly of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, supported me and demanded that the Centre provide the funds.I am grateful to them for their assistance,” he said.
Justice Ramana observed that high pendency of cases is the biggest problem facing the judiciary in the county, and there are many reasons to this.
He reminded lawyers and judges that ensuring that justice is swiftly delivered is their obligation.
The main goal of the judiciary is to bring justice to the people, he advised them to ensure justice is swiftly delivered in the shortest time possible.
He counseled lawyers to offer any support to different initiatives that help strengthen the judiciary.
He also recalled the time when he was an officer of Vijayawada Bar Association in 1983.
He claimed it was Justice K.G.Shankar who advised him to travel to Hyderabad.He also spoke of his relationship with an eminent criminal lawyer Ayyappu Reddy, who was famous for his passion for writing and active political involvement.
“I was an assistant to him for 10 years, and he treated me like a son,” said Justice Ramana.
The CJI acknowledged all those who helped him get to the top of the list.He encouraged lawyers to support their students.
“You have a duty.You are a respected person in the society that will be looking at you.You must be model for positive change in the society.” he said.
The CJI declared that he was thrilled to open the structure for which he laid the foundation stone almost 10 years ago.
Justice Ramana said while bifurcation of the state was a reason behind the delays in construction, government were unable to release funds in time because of financial difficulties and contractors were unable to complete the work correctly.
He said that the price of the eight-storey structure had increased from the 58-crore figure to 100 crore.He said that building on its own wasn’t enough, and advised lawyers and judges to make use of the building efficiently.
He claimed that during his time as CJI, a number of high court judges were appointed in both the Telugu states.He said that there were some vacant positions, he asked the chief minister and chief justice to work on to fill the vacant.
He added that following bifurcation, there’s an impression in Andhra Pradesh that the state was becoming economically weak and is lagging in other areas.While he acknowledged that this was accurate to a certain degree, he hoped that people will work hard to lift the state to be one of the states that have made progress.
The CJI declared that the Centre should extend its financial assistance to the state.
Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy reassured the judiciary that the government will provide all support to its efforts.
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