'Ensured That Access To Justice Remained Unhindered': Supreme Court Says On Its 71'st Anniversary

The Supreme Court of India, in a press release issued on its 71st Anniversary today, stated that, all these years, it ensured that the access to justice remains unhindered.

It was on on 28th January, 1950, the Court held its first sitting the Chamber of Princes in the Parliament building. Chief Justice Harilal J.Kania and Justices Saiyid Fazl Ali, M. Patanjali Sastri, Mehr Chand Mahajan, Bijan Kumar Mukherjea and S.R.Das were the members of the bench which held the first sitting. Chief Justices of various High Courts, Attorney General, Advocate Generals, Prime Minister, other Ministers, Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of foreign States, Senior Advocates also participated during the inaugural function. (Source: SCI)

The proceedings of the Supreme Court continued in the parliament building until it moved into the present building in 1958.

"In all these years the Apex Court under the mandate given to it by the Constitution of India has relentlessly marched towards ensuring the protection of rights and liberties of the citizens, upholding rule of law and the Constitutional Values. The Supreme Court was faced with various challenges in its journey, but it remained committed to its duties and ensured that the access to justice remains unhindered.", the press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Court read.

The press release also explained the challenges faced by the Court in view of Covid Pandemic and the strategies it adopted to overcome it. During this period, 43,713 hearings were held by 1998 benches through Video Conferencing mode till 31.12.2020, it said. 

"One such major and unprecedented challenge recently faced in the year 2020 was the widespread of highly contagious Corona Virus. Despite the nationwide lockdown announced from 23rd March, 2020, the Apex Court ensured access to Justice remains unabated. During these unprecedented challenges, the Court remained functional throughout, though number of benches were reduced. Beyond the usual minimum required 190 days Court sittings in a Calendar Year, the Court was functional for 231 days, including 13 vacation sittings in the year 2020. The Registry also remained functional for 271 days as against an average of 268 days in the previous three years. The Registry's working strength was affected considerably with 408 officials/staff infected with Covid-19 and an unfortunate loss of life of one official. However almost 99% of the officials/staff so reported positive for the infection were asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. This early detection & cure was possible due to rigorous implementation of Covid-19 protocols and regular testing of officials/staff at periodic intervals and strict contact tracing mechanism and sanitization procedure. Despite technological constraints and other challenges of reduced workforce, Covid-19 protocols, 43,713 hearings were held by 1998 benches through Video Conferencing mode till 31.12.2020.", the note read.

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