CM Stalin bats for social justice in appointment of judges

Chennai: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday urged the Supreme Court collegium to ensure that the principle of social justice is followed in appointment of judges to the High Courts and Supreme Court.

Underscoring the ‘long pending request’ to constitute a bench of the Supreme Court at Chennai, Stalin said people of southern states now had to visit New Delhi to get justice. The Chief Minister was addressing an event held at the Madras HC in which Chief Justice of Supreme Court, N V Ramana presided.

“In the appointment of judges to the High Court and Supreme Court, the Honourable Collegium may kindly ensure that the principle of social justice along with other parameters for appointment is followed. In this way, I consider that the principle of inclusiveness would be ensured in higher judiciary,” Stalin said. The Chief Minister also requested that the official language of the state, Tamil be allowed to be used in the High Court of Madras. “This is a long pending and important request of the people and legal community of the State.”

In the event, Justice Ramana laid the foundation stone for construction of a nine-storeyed administrative block in the High Court campus (at an estimated cost of Rs 20.24 crore). He also inaugurated combined court buildings and judicial officers’ quarters in Namakkal and Villupuram districts, built at a cost of Rs 20.70 crore. Stalin inaugurated the first Commerical Court at Egmore here constructed at a cost of Rs 1.50 crore.

Court language should not be like chanting mantras: CJI

Backing the usage of local languages during court proceedings, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Saturday, however, said that language and procedures followed in courts should not sound like the chanting of mantras in marriages, which people fail to comprehend. “Language barrier is an issue of concern as most people will want to understand court proceedings in their regional languages. The demand for using local language shall be met with in the near future with the assistance of technical advancements including artificial intelligence,” Justice NV Ramana said during his maiden visit to the Madras High Court. Justice NV Ramana also wanted the judges to sharpen their ideas and perception and expand their knowledge.

Justice can’t be served like instant noodles: CJI

The public these days are expecting instant justice, just as instant noodles are served, said CJI NV Ramana.

“We have moved to the 20-20 format, and to instant coffee and instant noodles. The public don’t realize that real justice will become a casualty if we strive for instant justice,” the CJI noted.

As CM Stalin requested the CJI to establish the southern bench of the Supreme Court, the CJI recalled a private member bill moved by DMK MP P Wilson in the Parliament. “I am not aware whether the government has taken any decision on it. However, we are having the online hearing facility that will help advocates argue their cases from anywhere,” the CJI noted.

Speaking about the judges’ appointments, he said the collegium is following the inclusivity to appoint judges. “The appointments are made by considering all sections, genders and geography. I have asked the HC CJs to send recommendations for 388 judges’ vacancies out of 1,104 sanctioned strength,” the CJI said.

The CJI maintained that improving the judicial infrastructure has been his top priority and it is important to contemplate how to improve the functioning of the judiciary to reach out to the people.