'Your Decisions Should Reinforce People's Trust In Judiciary, Not Diminish It': Chhattisgarh HC CJ To Newly Promoted District Judges

Addressing 42 newly promoted District Judges from the Civil Judge Senior Division cadre, the Chief Justice congratulated them and acknowledged their rapid ascent in the judicial hierarchy at a very young age.

Recognising their youth and enthusiasm, the Chief Justice emphasised the immense responsibility they now bear in delivering justice with sincerity, devotion, transparency and accountability.

“You have climbed the ladder very soon and now great responsibility rests upon your shoulders. You have to 2 deliver justice to the people and litigants, who are coming to the Courts or knocking the door of justice, with all your ability, sincerity, devotion, transparency and accountability,” Chief Justice said.

“The Judiciary today stands as the pillar of governance, often taking the lead among the three organs of the State. People's expectations are high, and it is our solemn duty to meet them by ensuring that justice is served without bias or external influence,” Chief Justice urged Judges to perform their duties with transparency and fairness, ensuring the faith of litigants in the judicial system.

“Every decision we make should reinforce the people's trust, not diminish it,” the Chief Justice urged.

His speech also addressed the issue of judicial criticism, urging judges to embrace constructive criticism while remaining fidelity to the law.

The Chief Justice emphasized that judges must remain accountable, acknowledging that criticism of judicial conduct and decisions is a natural part of the system.

“Criticism is good; it helps refine our approach. But while performing our duties, we must function within the framework of the law and precedents set by the Apex Court and High Court,” he said.

The Chief Justice's address also highlighted the necessity of strictly adhering to legal precedents set by the Supreme Court and High Court. He advised judges to seek guidance from their senior colleagues in cases of uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of collective wisdom within the judicial framework.

The Chief Justice remarked, “Judges must discharge their judicial duties with all their ability, sincerity, devotion, accountability and transparency, so that people be satisfied with the decisions of the Court.”

One key theme of the Chief Justice's speech was the necessity of basing judicial decisions on solid legal evidence rather than public sentiments.

“In the eyes of society, a crime may be brutal. But in the eyes of the law, if there is no concrete evidence, we cannot convict. Justice must prevail within the legal framework. Our duty is to ensure that no innocent person is punished and if there is evidence, actual victims must get justice,” the Chief Justice emphasised.

In a crucial message to the newly promoted District Judges, the Chief Justice cautioned against convicting individuals based on inadequate evidence:

“Often, convictions ruled by trial courts are set aside in appeals by Appellate Courts due to flawed investigations or unreliable evidence. Judges must ensure that legal standards are met before arriving at a decision,” he said.

Concluding the address, the Chief Justice reminded the Judges of their crucial role in upholding justice, stressing the need for careful deliberation and unwavering commitment to the law.

“Be very careful in your judgments. Act with transparency, integrity, and fairness. The future of the Judiciary—and public faith in it—rests in your hands,” he advised the Judicial Officers.

The event concluded with words of encouragement, wishing the judges a successful future.

Justice Rajani Dubey, Judge of Chhattisgarh High Court and Chairman to Monitor the functioning of Judicial Academy; Registrar General High Court of Chhattisgarh, Officers of Registry and Director Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy and other Officers of Judicial Academy were present in the concluding session of the Orientation Programme.