The Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bodbde during the felicitation ceremony organized by the Bar Council of India on 16th December 2019 said the only legitimate source of power for judicial system is 'public trust' and therefore it is important to ensure that people must remain invested in them and the alternate possibility is dangerous as it will be a society far removed from the rule...
The Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bodbde during the felicitation ceremony organized by the Bar Council of India on 16th December 2019 said the only legitimate source of power for judicial system is 'public trust' and therefore it is important to ensure that people must remain invested in them and the alternate possibility is dangerous as it will be a society far removed from the rule of law.
He added, lawyers and judges complement each other and that one cannot perform the duties entrusted on them without the help of each other.
He said, "believe me, when you go to other countries, that is when you realize how lucky we are, what a beautiful strong judicial system and a strong bar we have."
Justice Bobde said that the legislature mainly functions through debate and the executive functions mainly to implement laws and carry out orders but it is only in the court that both the functions can be implemented, hence judiciary is very "uniquely" placed.
"Courts cannot do much unless lawyers perform their task of presenting cases and assisting the courts. And lawyers cannot be effective unless they are heard. It is this interdependence which makes the bench and bar cooperate with each other to deliver justice" he remarked.
While talking about 'the cost of justice becoming too high', the statement which has been reiterated by many, Justice Bobde said, " we have to take stock of ourselves. Nobody says one should not make money, and one should make a lot of it, which is an individual matter. But we have to see the extent to which it is blocking access to justice and when we find that high cost that blocks the access to justice, we have to do something on our own."
Justice Bobde further said " I will not believe that law can reach everywhere in human life neither can any external authority of the court or the police. We have to evolve a system of self regulation which is based on our own understanding of our true position and the purpose we serve in society."
He said, "it is never too late to hearken back to the great traditions of the country, the great culture of this country and to ensure that justice is done to the last man."
While concluding his speech, Justice Bobde said, " I personally think that strikes do not go well with the image of the courts and lawyers. I know there are things which can agitate you much, where you have to hold strike to make a point but we could find other ways of making the same point."