Set up family court in every district: SC Judge

Inaugurating the fourth regional conference on ‘Sensitisation of Family Court Matters’ for Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Telangana here on Saturday, the senior apex court judge said, “The primary objective of family courts is not to decide disputes, but to promote conciliation and secure speedy settlement. This apart, family court judges should have compassion as their passion.” 

Family court judges should possess sixth sense to find out the epicentre of the matrimonial disputes, he noted. They are like homeopathy doctors, who, unlike allopathy doctors, prescribe treatments based on the constitution and special features of the patient, he said. 

Presiding over the event, Madras High Court Chief Justice Indira Banerjee emphasised that preservation of family as an institution was important for the country. She also called upon the family court judges to never give up the scope for settlement, as it would happen at any stage of the case. 

“But you must also understand that in cases where there is no scope for settlement, mere procrastination would only increase the agony of the parties,” she added. Justice Banerjee also stressed that the matters of maintenance and custody of child must be dealt with utmost expedition and sensitivity.