"You Will Soon Get A Good News" : CJI Ramana To Judicial Officers On Pay Commission Issues

While stressing on the importance of taking care of one's physical and mental health, the CJI said that financial well being is a very important factor and he has taken up the issues related to pay commission.

"Only when you are free from financial worries, you will be able to give your best. Let me assure you that I have taken up the issues related to pay commission and you will soon get a good news on this front" the CJI said.

He further said that the judicial officers must uphold the solemn oath they have taken on the Constitution as a Judge is judged not only by the quality of his judgments, but also by his character, transparency, and impeccable integrity.

In a related development, it may be noted that the Supreme Court had recently directed the States to raise the retired judicial officers' pension as per a 2012 Court direction.

With regard to the State of Telangana, the CJI said that after he assumed office, the strength of High Court has gone up from 24 to 42, and so far 17 fresh appointments were made.

On the infrastructure front, the CJI said that he has made efforts to create statutory Judicial Infrastructure Authorities at national and State level, and to deal with this and a host of other issues, he has taken the initiative of hosting a joint conference of Chief Justices and Chief Ministers towards the end of this month.

Talking about the effectiveness of achieving the goal of justice delivery, the CJI opined that the most crucial issue affecting the Indian judiciary, and particularly the subordinate judiciary, is the issue of pendency.

The CJI stated that the courts' functioning is adversely effected due to lack of infrastructure and large number of judicial vacancies, However, he assured all the issues will be addressed on priority.

Talking about the Conference of the State Judicial Officers, the CJI said that purpose is to introspect about various factors governing the administration of justice and to discover ways and means to bring qualitative improvement in the system. Strengthening the subordinate Judiciary is the need of the hour.

Addressing the judicial officers, the CJI said that it is their responsibility to ensure that the litigants remain satisfied as the greatest strength of the Indian judiciary is the faith of people in the institution.

"You have to create a congenial environment for the litigants. Often, the litigants would be under a lot of stress. You should try to make them feel at ease." the CJI said

Law Can't Be Far From Equity, Important To Remember Human Aspects Of Dispute: CJI

While saying that Law cannot be far from equity, the CJI further urged them to remember the human aspects of the dispute. He said that it is important to project the human face of the Judiciary, whenever there is scope for invoking your discretion. The proceedings should be made accessible and the socio-economic background, language, education, etc. of the parties involved should be considered and dealt with suitably.

"You must sensitize yourself to different vulnerabilities of parties. Minors, women, persons belong to the weaker sections of the society, persons with disabilities, etc., might all have different requirements. Treat everyone with respect" he said

According to CJI, the role that Judges play is highly significant in the Constitutional scheme, and they must apply their mind independently on the materials presented before them. For instance, the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code are not mere formalities. They are an important check on executive actions and represent substantive rights of the accused.

The CJI further opined that since the law is constantly changing the judicial officers must keep themselves updated and be aware about the changing law and precedents, and keep abreast with the changes in other fields like science and technology.

Directions Issued To Improve Security Of Judicial Officers: CJI

While asking them to perform their judicial duties without any fear, the CJI also addressed the issue of the increasing physical attacks on judges.

He said that he is doing his utmost to prevent such occurrences and directions were issued to improve the security of judicial officials both inside and outside Courtrooms.

Enhance Use of Technology In Case Management System: CJI

He stressed on the importance of improving internal efficiency of the system, and stated that targeted action and effective case management can bring about a big difference.

"The need of the hour is to enhance the usage of technology in case management system. I would encourage all judicial officers to keep themselves updated on the status of cases pending before them through the National Judicial Data Grid." He said

District Judiciary Is Foundation Of The Institution: CJI

The CJI further said that the District judiciary is the foundation of this institution, and only if the foundation is strong, the system will flourish. Therefore It is for all of the judicial officials to work in that direction and see that the flag of Judiciary flies high.

Addressing the Chief Justice of the High Court Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, CJI request him to expedite the process of recommending names for filling up of remaining vacancies and urged upon him to keep in mind the social diversity while making the recommendations for elevation.

"Inclusivity doesn't stop with enhanced representation of women. Every segment of the society should get due representation. Only then the society will develop a sense of belongingness with the judiciary." the CJI said