Justice Flows From The Conscience Of The Judge: Chhattisgarh HC Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha At Surguja Judicial Seminar

Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh and Patron-in-Chief of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, virtually inaugurated the seminar. The seminar also saw the virtual presence of Justice Radhakishan Agrawal (Portfolio Judge, District Surajpur), Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal (Portfolio Judge, District Jashpur), and Justice Arvind Kumar Verma (Portfolio Judge, District Balrampur-Ramanujganj). The inauguration symbolically reflected the illumination of justice and legal wisdom.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Justice underscored that the judiciary is the bedrock of constitutional democracy, and that the District and Taluka Courts are where citizens most directly experience the justice system. He observed that judges' conduct, their judgments and their approach significantly influence public perception of justice.

He noted that the District Judiciary faces evolving challenges, including an increasing caseload, technological advancements and growing complexities in disputes. To respond effectively, he stressed the need for a knowledge-driven, ethically grounded and socially sensitive judiciary.

Reiterating that justice is not delivered merely through systems and procedures but through the conscience of the judge, the Chief Justice said every litigant must leave the courtroom feeling heard and treated with fairness.

He urged all the Judicial Officers that Judiciary's greatest strength lies in the trust of the People. It is Judge's duty to honour that trust by upholding the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and Judicial ethics. When Judges remain committed to the rule of law and guided by the values of our Constitution, the Judiciary stands unshakable.

In conclusion, the Chief Justice wished that Seminars such as this one provide a valuable opportunity to deliberate on contemporary legal issues, exchange experiences, and adopt best practices. The deliberation during the seminar will enhance Judicial Officer's professional skills and equip them to handle the complexities of Judicial work with greater efficiency.

The seminar was virtually attended by the Registrar General of the High Court of Chhattisgarh and other Registry Officers. The Principal District & Sessions Judge, Ambikapur delivered the welcome address, followed by the introductory remarks by the Director of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the I District & Additional Sessions Judge, Ambikapur.

Presentations by Judicial Officers

Participants presented on the following topics:

1. The Absent Accused and the Added Accused – Analysing the procedural overlap between trial in absentia under Sections 356 and 358 BNSS.
2. Doctrine of Specific Performance of Contract – Law and procedure with reference to recent Supreme Court pronouncements, illustrated through a civil suit; limitations on the availability of specific performance.
3. Competency of Court under Order VII Rule 10 CPC – Power to reject a plaint at the threshold under Order VII Rule 11 CPC: judicial duty or discretionary power.
4. Arrest, Remand and Bail – With reference to the Supreme Court guidelines in Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI and Siddharth v. State of U.P., including provisions relating to disposal of property in criminal cases.
5. Execution of Decree – Arrest and detention in civil prison, attachment of property and strategies for timely and efficient enforcement.