Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Tuesday virtually inaugurated new court complexes at Irinjalakuda and Chavakkad in Thrissur district, describing the facilities as a significant step towards bringing the justice system closer to people in smaller towns and remote areas.

The CJI was scheduled to be present in Kerala for the inauguration but joined the event virtually due to the flood situation in parts of the state. Expressing his regret over not being able to attend in person, the CJI conveyed his condolences to those affected by the floods and wished for their safety, strength and recovery.

The two court complexes have been constructed at a combined cost of nearly Rs 100 crore, with funding from the Government of Kerala. Chief Justice Surya Kant thanked the state government and the High Court administration for their efforts in strengthening judicial infrastructure.

Highlighting the significance of the projects, the CJI said the new complexes were not merely additional buildings but represented an effort to make justice more accessible to people living outside major cities and metropolitan centres.

“These buildings bring the institution of justice closer to the people,” he said, emphasising that residents of remote areas should not have to travel long distances or face unnecessary barriers to access the courts.

The CJI noted that the need for judicial infrastructure had grown alongside the increasing volume and complexity of litigation. He said nearly 30,000 civil cases and more than one lakh criminal cases were currently pending in the district, underlining the pressure on the justice delivery system.

He also highlighted the importance of alternative dispute resolution, particularly mediation. The provision of a dedicated Mediation Hall in the new complexes, he said, reflected an institutional commitment to resolving disputes amicably.

The facilities also include counselling rooms with separate cubicles in the Family Courts, designed to provide privacy and dignity to families dealing with sensitive disputes. Another notable feature is a separate hall for women members of the Bar. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the provision reflected the changing nature of the legal profession and the growing contribution of women advocates to the justice system.

Drawing on the spirit of Onam, Chief Justice Surya Kant compared the justice system to a Pookkalam, where flowers of different colours, shapes and kinds come together to create a harmonious whole. He said the justice system must similarly make space for everyone, including people living in cities, rural communities and remote tribal settlements, so that every citizen feels that the justice system belongs to them.

“Nanni, ellaavarkkum. Onam ashamsakal,” the CJI said, extending his greetings to the people of Kerala in Malayalam.