Patna, 03 December (ABN) Supreme Court Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant said on Saturday that justice is meted out not by machines, but by sensitive and capable persons, and with that understanding, the judiciary must continuously move forward in the direction of forming a comprehensive, robust, and humane justice system.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was addressing a gathering of judges, lawyers, and senior officials after inaugurating seven different buildings and structures within the Patna High Court premises today.
CJI Kant said that justice is meted out not by machines, but by sensitive and capable persons, and with that understanding, we must continuously move forward in the direction of forming a comprehensive, robust, and humane justice system. He said that the land of Pataliputra has been a symbol of discipline, logic, and administrative insight. This is the land from which the concepts of modern administration, ethics, and public welfare have flourished. He said that the Patna High Court, as a constitutional institution, has not only been a witness to the implementation of the Constitution but has also been a crucial hub in the journey of continuous promotion of rights and freedoms.
Mr. Kant said that the element that has kept our institutions tied in a thread for centuries is investment in institutional capacity, whether it is material resources, administrative structure, or human resources. When we talk about capacity building, it has a direct relation to effective access to justice. Its purpose is to create a judicial system that can successfully tackle challenges such as an increasing population, the number of cases, and the complexity of disputes.
He said that a strong and effective administration is the backbone of the judicial system. The organized maintenance of files, the protection of records, and the effective management of court decisions are tasks that seem mundane, but they ensure judicial performance. When administration works smoothly, judges can focus more on their core duties, and those seeking justice experience a transparent and trustworthy system.
CJI Kant said that in the present era, technology has become an essential pillar of institutional stability. Digital, data-driven, and user-centric systems not only reduce delays but also increase transparency and make justice more accessible to the elderly, disabled persons, and people living in remote areas. This is true access to justice. He said that it is also essential that technology becomes a means of inclusion, not exclusion. For this, a sensitive approach towards privacy, trust, and digital inequality will have to be adopted.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court said that the soul of the judicial system is human resources. The judicial system becomes strong only through training, capacity building, and the continuous process of learning. The court premises should not only be a place for dispute resolution but also a center for education, dialogue, and cooperation. At the same time, it must be recognized that the physical and mental well-being of all individuals associated with the judicial system is also an essential part of justice.
Mr. Kant, recalling history, said that the lesson learned from Champaran provides a strong reminder. He said that history teaches us that we should not be the loudest, but should listen to the right voice. He said that institutions must remain connected with the people they serve. It is expected that courts will continue to be guided by the wisdom of the Constitution makers and reflect a deep sense of public duty in every decision.
CJI Kant today inaugurated the ADR building, auditorium, IT building, administrative block, multi-level car parking, hospital, residential complex, and the Advocate General's office within the Patna High Court premises, while also virtually inaugurating the guest house built for judges in Gaya.
On this occasion, Supreme Court judges Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Rajesh Bindal, Patna High Court's acting Chief Justice Sudhir Singh, and other judges of the Patna High Court were present. Odisha High Court Chief Justice Sangam Sahu also joined the program virtually. Bihar government's Chief Secretary Pritya Amrit and Bihar government's Advocate General P.K. Shahi were also present at the ceremony. At the conclusion of the program, Patna High Court judge Rajiv Ranjan Prasad expressed gratitude.