I've Faith That My Successors Will Take Supreme Court To New Heights: Former CJI NV Ramana

Former Chief Justice of India, N.V. Ramana, on 4 September, 2022, conferred the Capital Foundation Life Time Achievement Award to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. On the occasion, he also delivered the Annual Lecture of the Capital Foundation Society titled "My Experiences in the Indian Judiciary" at the India International Centre Auditorium, New Delhi.I commend my predecessors for carrying this institution this far, and I have faith that my successors will take it to new heights.

Rtd. Justice Ramana commenced his address by describing Naveen Patnaik as one of the most dynamic leaders, whose bond with his people was indicated by the fact that he had been one of the longest serving Chief Ministers. Justice Ramana also spoke of Patnaik's active interest in the preservation and promotion of culture and literature. While congratulating Patnaik, he also spoke about 16 other awardees of the Capital Foundation Life Time Achievement Award. One of the awardees he mentioned was Justice Krishna Iyer, who he described as the most erudite and welfarist judges India had witnessed. 

While speaking about his experience in Indian Judiciary, he stated that as he had demitted the office of the Chief Justice of India very recently, he did not think it was appropriate for him to speak about my experiences in holding the office, for some time. Instead, he spoke about "the march of the Indian Judiciary through these 72 years".

He traced the history of Indian judicial development right from India attaining independence, to the 1960s and 1970s, which consisted of two wars, a liberation movement, nationalization of banks and general insurance companies, devaluation of the rupee and declaration of emergency, etc., and the 1990s which comprised the Gulf war, fall in foreign remittances, increase of global oil prices, the resultant depletion of forex reserves and a very high inflation rate. He stated that all throughout seven decades of challenging times, a variety of opinions emanated from Supreme Court. He further opined that the people's faith and trust in the institution needs to be maintained and that any institution that does not enjoy public confidence is of no relevance to the society. Justice Ramana said that–

"An institution speaking in one voice will not be a sign of a healthy democracy. Like every other sphere, diverse views and viewpoints are essential for the judicial institution, and democracy...Judiciary, the grand creation of our Constitution, is the repository of the trust and faith of people. The Indian Supreme Court has immensely contributed towards the establishment of a constitutional culture in the nation. The verdicts and opinions of the Supreme Court have become fundamental values of citizens, governments and institutions alike."

Justice Ramana also spoke about the role of Chief Justice of India and stated that the role calls for leadership and long-term vision for the judiciary and  each one of Chief Justices assumes the office under distinct circumstances and faces different set of challenges. He said that–

"I commend my predecessors for carrying this institution this far, and I have faith that my successors will take it to new heights. In the growth of the Indian judiciary, lies the growth of the Indian democracy...The duties of the Chief Justice of India are not limited to the Supreme Court but extend to the entire judicial system across the nation. From the district judiciaries to the High Courts, the issues affecting the judiciary need to be brought to light. If existing inadequacies are not addressed, we will not be ready to face the future needs of the country."

Justice Ramana also commented upon the dual realities of India where on one side there are high rise buildings, while on the other side people still reside in slums where children sleep in hunger. He stated that while we are aiming for the space, moon and mars, we should not forget the little stars struggling on the streets, slums, hamlets and villages. In this context, he said that–

"Sustainable and responsive growth is the key towards an inclusive and equitable future. A dignified living for all is non-negotiable. Till we achieve the same, our constitutional aspirations will be empty dreams. As responsible citizens, we must push ourselves to be part of the solution, not the problem."

With this, he concluded his address.