Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has said the district judiciary serves as a backbone and life line for the legal system while inaugurating Additional Court Buildings at the Madurai District Court Campus at the Madras High Court.
The CJI said he was also of the view that a good infrastructure provides the foundation towards a more accessible and respectful legal process. He said the district judiciary are both ‘hand in glove’ for the litigants. He also said that while the Supreme Court might be the “brain” of the legal system, the district courts are the “hands” since they actually touch the lives of people.
CJI Surya Kant said the district judiciary serves as an anchor for the justice delivery system and was of the view that for most citizens, the district court will be the first they will ever know and also probably the last one too.
While bifurcating the judicial focus of the courts, the CJI clarified that the prestige of the higher courts does not diminish the utility of the lower courts. While the Supreme Court and High Courts act as the architects of legal theory, it is the District Judiciary that serves as the workforce, transforming justice into a responsive and dignified system for the common man.
The CJI also stated this fact that while the higher courts may provide the ‘mind’ and logic of the law, it is the local courts that ensure justice actually reaches the vital organs of society.
The CJI pointed out that better infrastructure not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to a more dignified environment for judges, lawyers, and litigants. He further highlighted that delays in justice delivery can diminish public trust, making it essential to invest in both physical and institutional reforms.
Justice Kant also acknowledged the challenges faced by the district judiciary, including heavy pendency and resource constraints. He called for a collaborative approach involving the judiciary, executive, and bar to address these issues effectively. Stressing judicial independence, he remarked that district courts must be empowered to function without undue pressure while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
The CJI also praised the additional High Court Guest House at the Madurai Bench campus, which will make the judicial system more efficient.
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