'Will Leave No Stone Unturned To Render Justice At Grassroot Levels': Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari Assumes Office As 32nd Chief Justice Of Madras HC

While addressing the members of the bar after assuming office as the 32nd Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Justice Munishar Nath Bhandari remarked that he is cognizant of the problems faced by advocates, judicial officers and staff at all levels. He also pledged to leave no stone unturned to see that justice is rendered even at the grassroots levels.

The Chief Justice was replying to the welcome address by Tamil Nadu Advocate General R Shumugasundara and other dignitaries. 

"As one among the few who received a warm welcome twice in Madras High Court, first as the Acting Chief Justice and then as the Chief Justice of this Chartered High Court, I feel very fortunate...What greater privilege can I seek other than being the Chief Justice of prestigious Madras High Court which occupies a majestic position among the courts in this country", he said.

After seeking the assistance of the brother and sister judges as well as the members of the bar, he remarked that the TN Bar Councils have given him the fullest support to expedite the matters and make progress as an institution.

"I am cognizant of the problems of advocate at all levels. From my long years of practice at the Bar and my term as the President of Rajasthan High Court Bar Association, I can understand...to ease out the problems faced by advocates, judicial officers and staff at all levels, measures will be taken", Chief Justice remarked.

He also urged the members of the bar to work together to expedite the matters pending in High Court and subordinate court for early disposal.

Since post-pandemic normalcy is gradually being restored, Chief Justice further said that there must be expeditious disposal of cases attempts to increase the transparency.\

Today, Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari assumed the office of Madras High Court Chief Justice at a function held in Raj Bhavan in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K Stalin and Governor R N Ravi.

In the welcome address given by Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram at the new auditorium of Madras High Court, he mentioned that Senior Advocate and acclaimed jurist Fali S Nariman had previously commented that the Court Room Hall No. 1 where the Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari sits since the beginning of his term as the Acting CJ has become the best court hall in the country.

AG also lauded the new Chief Justice for his fair treatment of parties, impartial hearing and expedient disposal of cases since he assumed office as Acting Chief Justice.

"To incline to neither side but to remain impartial on an even fixed scale is an ornament of the wise", AG quoted from the Kural to elaborate about how the impartial treatment of the Chief Justice in matters of justice.

Bar Council of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Chairman P.S Amalraj requested the Chief Justice to consider the difficult situation of lady advocates during the pandemic and take appropriate measures. He also urged the Chief Justice to alleviate the situation in subordinate courts where the judges are overburdened by the pendency of cases. He also opined that the improvement of infrastructure facilities in the subordinate courts are necessary.

Mr Amalraj also appreciated the keen interest shown by the Chief Justice to remove encroachments across Tamil Nadu.

Presidents of the Madras High Court Advocates' Association, Madras Bar Association, Women Lawyers' Association also welcomed the Chief Justice on the occasion.