Shun Black Robes In Family Courts To Avoid Fear In Children, Rename Them 'Family Resolution Centres' : CJI Surya Kant

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recently suggested that the judges and lawyers in the Family Courts shun their customary black robes so that children do not feel intimidated. He also suggested renaming Family Courts as 'Family Resolution Centres'.

Speaking at the ceremony for laying the foundation stone for the new Family Court Complex at Rohini in New Delhi, the CJI asked, “Should the family courts have these black robes? Is it not going to create fear in the mind of the child?"

The Chief Justice proposed that the judges and lawyers do away with their black robes in Family Courts, as "this entire environment creates a  fear psychosis in the minds of the children."

Highlighting the distinctive nature of family courts, the CJI stressed that these are not merely adjudicatory bodies but forums aimed at repairing human relationships. In that context, he suggested that “family resolution centres” may be a more appropriate term.

“Why should we name them as 'courts'? Can't we say them as 'family resolution centres'?” he said.

The CJI emphasised that disputes before family courts carry deep emotional, social and financial consequences, often extending beyond the immediate legal issues. He observed that such courts must remain sensitive to human emotions and values.

The event was attended by judges of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court, along with several dignitaries, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya stressed the urgent need for expeditious disposal of family disputes and called for the establishment of more family courts to tackle rising pendency.

Supreme Court judge Justice Manmohan highlighted infrastructural deficiencies as a key bottleneck in ensuring access to justice. 

Justice Sanjeev Narula of the Delhi High Court, meanwhile, focused on the working conditions of judges, cautioning against the unseen costs of increasing disposal pressures. He pointed out that the burden of heavy cause lists, long working hours, and constant public scrutiny places immense strain on judges.

Justice V. Kameswar Rao of the Delhi High Court echoed the importance of strengthening judicial infrastructure and systems, noting that sustained efforts are being made to reduce delays and improve responsiveness.