Modern judiciary requires an accessible, inclusive infrastructure: CJI Chandrachud

New Delhi [India], August 15 : Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Thursday said that a modern judiciary requires an accessible and inclusive infrastructure.
Speaking at the event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to mark India's 78th Independence Day celebration, CJI Chandrachud emphasized that such infrastructure not only facilitates the ease with which lawyers navigate the Court but also fosters their sense of responsibility towards the judiciary.
CJI Chandrachud, who hoisted the national flag on the Supreme Court lawns, was the Chief Guest at the event. Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal attended as the Guest of Honour, alongside SCBA President and Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal.
"When I emphasize the need for such changes, I keep two constituents at the forefront - the citizens and the Bar. A modern judiciary requires an accessible and inclusive infrastructure. The ease of lawyers to navigate the Court not only allows them to assist the Court with ease and efficiency but also for them to feel a sense of responsibility towards the institution of the judiciary as its custodian," CJI said.
Speaking about the infrastructural initiative taken in the last six months in the Supreme Court Chandrachud said, "In the last six months, we have taken many infrastructural initiatives. The Supreme Court has extended fibre optics internet to lawyers' block, created consultation rooms in the east wing of the main building, constructed cubicles for lawyers who are wait-listed for chamber allotments, set up a multi-facilitation centre and renovated the office of the SCBA."
"We have also created a new lounge for women members of the Bar. The establishment of a women-only space inside the Court premises will enhance the ability of woman lawyers to assist the Court and seek guidance from their seniors," CJI added.
CJI said that a new accessibility help desk has been set up at the Supreme Court to make court truly a 'Court for All'.
"A new accessibility help desk has also been set up to make our court truly a 'Court for All'. The help desk would enhance the accessibility of persons with disability, women and senior citizens when approaching the Supreme Court," CJI said.
CJI also explained the upcoming initiatives taken by the top court which includes building bigger creches for childcare in block E of the additional building and said that this facility will alleviate the problems that many parents, especially women, have to incur while navigating their professional life with parenthood.
"The Court will also see the construction of the advocates' wellness centre, upgradation of existing facilities and the air conditioning of the corridors lining Court Rooms 1 to 5 as well as block D of the Administrative building complex," CJI pointed out.
CJI acknowledged the involvement and participation of all stakeholders and said that no task is accomplished without their involvement. He also said that the Supreme Court registry works tirelessly to bring the cases of the litigants before the Court.
He also highlighted the second edition of the Hackathon, which seeks suggestions to improve the registry's functioning.
"We have recently announced the second edition of the Hackathon which invites suggestions to improve the working of the registry. After a successful hackathon last year, in which we received valuable suggestions from members of the Bar, we are now looking for suggestions to explore solutions in Artificial Intelligence-based technology for improving and streamlining the functioning of the registry. I encourage all of you to participate in this and help us make work better for you and the litigants," CJI said.
The CJI praised the Bar's role in shaping significant constitutional and legal developments in India, saying, "The Bar has been responsible for the direction of many important constitutional and legal developments in our country which have furthered the aspirations of our freedom fighters. The legal community has been instrumental in rooting the Constitution on a firm basic structure, ushing in substantive due process, protecting the dignity of women, gender minorities, LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized communities. This festive journey of democracy and independence required your active and moral participation," CJI said.
CJI stated that on Independence Day, we honour our commitment to realising the dreams of those who sacrificed their lives for the country and those who worked to make it even better.
"But every beating heart in India, no matter their age or stature, goes back in time and fills with a deeply emotive sense of patriotism and indebtedness to our freedom fighters when we see our majestic flag flying high against the air of freedom on independence day. This day we honour our commitment to realise the dreams of all those who laid their lives for this country and those who lived to make it greater," CJI said.