The Chief Justice of India on Monday virtually inaugurated newly constructed court complexes at Irinjalakuda and Chavakkad in Kerala’s Thrissur district, describing the development as a “kind of homecoming” that would take the justice delivery system closer to citizens residing in smaller townships.
The CJI, who addressed the gathering through video conference, expressed regret over his inability to attend the inauguration physically owing to the prevailing flood situation in parts of Kerala. He also conveyed his condolences to those who had suffered loss in the floods and extended his wishes for the safety and recovery of the affected families.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion during the auspicious month of Chingam and the Onam season, the CJI drew upon the traditional narrative of King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered for equality and inclusiveness. He observed that, much like the celebrated “homecoming” associated with Onam, the establishment of the new court complexes represented a homecoming of the justice system to the people.
The two court complexes have been constructed at an expenditure of nearly Rs 100 crore by the Government of Kerala. Appreciating the State Government’s investment in judicial infrastructure, the CJI emphasised that the real significance of the project extended beyond the creation of new physical infrastructure.
According to him, the new complexes would strengthen access to justice by bringing courts within easier reach of citizens who live away from major urban centres. He stressed that litigants, including those from remote parts of the district, should be able to approach courts without undertaking arduous journeys or encountering avoidable procedural and infrastructural barriers.
The CJI also drew attention to the substantial pendency of cases in Thrissur district, noting that nearly 30,000 civil cases and more than one lakh criminal cases are presently pending before courts in the district. He said the figures reflected the increasing complexity of society and the corresponding expansion of demands upon the judicial system.
Against this backdrop, he described the new court complexes as a significant investment in strengthening the judiciary’s capacity to address the growing demand for timely and effective adjudication.
He further highlighted the Mediation Halls incorporated into the new complexes, describing them as particularly significant in facilitating the amicable, efficient and meaningful resolution of disputes. The emphasis on mediation, he noted, would complement adjudicatory mechanisms while helping reduce the burden on courts.
The CJI concluded by expressing his hope of visiting Kerala at the earliest opportunity, once the flood situation improves, to interact personally with members of the Bench and Bar and the people of the State.
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