Democratic Values Can Only Be Protected If Citizens Have Access To Speedy Justice: Calcutta High Court Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam

“Independence Day is not just another symbolic occasion; it is a vivid reminder of an important part of our self-identity as citizens in the worlds largest democracy and the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. On this day, we remember our heroes of the freedom struggle and pay homage to them for sacrificing their lives,” Calcutta High Court Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam said on Tuesday.

The Chief Justice was addressing a gathering at the Calcutta High Court premises, after the flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of India’s 77^th Independence Day.

In discussing India’s constitutional goals, vis-à-vis it’s status as an independent nation, the Chief Justice emphasised on the various shortcomings that continue to persist in the implementation of independent India’s constitutional objectives.

“Though we have achieved independence and become citizens of independent India, but the constitutional goal for extending free, speedy and effective legal dispute redressal forums to our citizens is in the process of being achieved. There is no doubt that democratic values can be protected only if we ensure that our citizens have access to basic amenities. These places special duty upon lawyers and judges who often play a role in matters on resource allocation,” said the Chief Justice.

In discussing his experience as the Chief Justice in redressing basic issues faced by courts all over West Bengal and in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar, Justice Sivagnanam expressed confidence in the work being undertaken by his fellow judges, members of the Court administration, as well as the three wings of the bar. He said:

“Today is the right day to take stock of endeavours of the courts in West Bengal from 1^st August 2022-31^st July 2023. The WB Judicial Academy has held 53 online training programs, and special programs on sensitisation for secretaries of the DLSA, prevention of child trafficking etc. Diligent action has been taken in filling up vacancies in the district judiciary. Out of 268 vacancies in appellate and original side establishment, 213 have been filled up. Out of a minimum of 7 POCSO courts, as directed by the SC, 3 have already started functioning, and 9 more have been proposed by the State govt. The IT portals offered by the HC has brought about substantial transparency in the process of transfer of judicial officers. Various e-initiatives have been implemented by this court as well. We propose to implement measures such as online application of certified copy, fast and secure transmission of e-records, redesign of the website of Calcutta HC etc.”

In expressing his pride over the fact that in the period between 1^st August 2022 and 31^st July 2023, the number of disposals of cases at the High Court was higher than the cases being instituted, Justice Sivagnanam said:

"Over this period, total institution of cases was 75,690 whereas disposal was 91, 521 cases were disposed of. This is indeed a great achievement. We have to congratulate ourselves" the CJ commended.

In discussing the backlog in the district judiciary, it was revealed that while the pendency had gone up to 24 lakh cases, the district judiciary was taking all endeavours to speed up the disposal of cases.

“In the last year the WBLSA has done remarkably well, legal-aid defence counsel system has been made available in 10 districts in West Bengal. More than 12000 legal awareness camps were held over the last year by the WBLSA. Above 8 lakh cases were disposed of by the National Lok Adalat during the aforesaid period,” said the Chief Justice.

Finally, in discussing the measures undertaken by the High Court in the efficient administration of justice, the CJ underlined the importance of moving ahead in order to fill the various lacunae that had still remained.

It was said, “all steps are being taken to ensure that cases which are more than 20 years old are being listed before the division benches for disposal. Construction of new court buildings and the quarters of judicial officers are being undertaken all over the state. The space crunch of the HC was partly addressed on account of positive steps taken by the WB govt. We are discussing our achievements, but several tasks and challenges are yet to be completed. Let us join hands together to make the judiciary strong and robust. Thank you, Jai Hind.”