Observing the independence day celebration at a function by Supreme Court Bar Association, CJI mentioned how happy and historic the day is. The CJI sent a message for reflecting upon both the legal community and the legislative bodies over the lack of required levels of debate causing gaps in law framed. Chief Justice of India, N V Ramana Sunday said while addressing the gathering of legal fraternity on the eve of independence day celebration that it is a sorry state of affairs that leaves many aspects of laws unclear and increases the burden on courts.
Seventy-five years of independence has passed is not a small-time, the CJI said but the same needs to be weighed from the perspective of the vast population of the geography of the country.
While recalling his childhood days memory of independence day when they were given jaggery and murmura (puffed rice) in school on such days. Mentioning even the small things they used to get would make them feel very happy but now even with everything, people happiness has vanished because saturation level has reached the bottom.
Recalling the contributions of the great leaders, he reasserted the sacrifices made by such esteemed freedom fighters of their life, profession and property. All leaders leading the movement- Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Babu Rajender Prasad were lawyers. Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha was filled with the legal community.
He said that an elaborate discussion during the law-making process reduces litigation when courts interpret legislation. The first Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha debates he cited were centred around a lot of proper content analysis displayed wisdom, constructive approach. The present debates leave us with lots of gaps for enforcement and interpretation increasing the burden on the courts.
Most of the members of the first Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were all lawyers and members of the legal fraternity. Unfortunately, we know what is happening now concerning debates on laws-CJI Ramana expressed in his address to the bar members.
The Monsoon session of parliament was short-terminated last week following days of relentless protest by the Opposition over the Pegasus snooping row, farm laws, price rise and other issues.
The CJI inspirational speech to motivate the lawyers to lead from the front in all spheres of service to society including law-making,
“Don’t confine yourself to your profession, earning money and living comfortably. Please think over it. We should actively participate in public life, do some good service and share the experience with the country. Hopefully, goodness will come out of it in the country.”
The CJI added the Supreme Court has played an active role in the country and has given more than what the Constitution has thought of, but he expects the legal fraternity to contribute more.
Acknowledging that 75% of the population receiving legal aid is worth appreciating.
Appreciating the completion of 75 years of Legal aid movement. He mentioned that there are small issues but around 75 per cent of the people in need of justice have got legal aid. All lawyers should participate in the legal aid movement. On November 26 and 27, we may have two-day workshops on Constitution Day on legal aid,” he said.
At the outset, the Chief Justice said it is a historic day and an occasion for all to rethink and review the policies to understand “what we have achieved and what we have to achieve in the future”.
Supreme Court Judges AM Khanwilkar and V Ramasubramanian were also present on the occasion alongside several lawyers and members of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was also present on the occasion, said the Chief Justice of India is the karta’ (guardian) of the Indian legal family and thus he does not wish to say anything more.
The Chief Justice of India unfurled the national flag after which the national anthem was played by a police band
