Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has recently emphasized the crucial role of High Courts in safeguarding the rule of law for the common citizen. Speaking at various events, including the inauguration of the Jalpaiguri circuit bench of Calcutta High Court and Constitution Day address at the Supreme Court, CJI Kant underscored the significance of the judiciary, particularly at the grassroots level, in ensuring justice and upholding the Constitution.
Addressing the 76th Constitution Day function organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association, CJI Kant described the Bar and the Bench as indispensable partners acting as guardians of the Constitution. He articulated that the Constitution entrusts its guardianship not to a single institution, but to a "consortium of minds and consciences," where the Bar and the Bench play vital roles. "We interpret, you illuminate. We pronounce, you provoke thought. We guard the ramparts, and you fortify the foundations. Together, we sustain the living promise of our Republic," he stated. He also noted that the Bar's perspectives profoundly matter, and they help the courts in discharging their duties with clarity and conviction.
CJI Kant also highlighted the importance of district courts in delivering justice to citizens, emphasizing that these grassroots-level courts are where ordinary citizens first go to seek enforcement of their rights. He pointed out that district courts were previously mislabeled as "lower courts," which undermined their importance. He welcomed the shift in outlook, acknowledging that the judiciary now recognizes the district judiciary as an equally important pillar of the independent judicial system, on par with the High Courts and the Supreme Court. He also said that true justice resides at the grassroot level because the ordinary citizen will have the first encounter when he goes for the enforcement of his right.
Moreover, CJI Kant has advocated for a uniform national judicial policy to reduce divergence and reinforce predictability in judicial approach among the Supreme Court and the State High Courts. He believes that a uniform judicial policy would encourage coherence across jurisdictions and bring more clarity and consistency in the decisions of constitutional courts on significant questions of law.
In a separate event, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to CJI Kant to safeguard democracy and ensure that agencies do not defame citizens. During the inauguration of the Jalpaiguri circuit bench of Calcutta High Court, Banerjee requested the CJI and all judges to ensure the Constitution is protected and democracy is safeguarded. She expressed concerns about media trials and agencies allegedly defaming citizens, urging the judiciary to protect the safety, security, history, geography, and boundaries of the country. CJI Kant, in response, commended the vision of Calcutta High Court and the state government in establishing the circuit bench in Jalpaiguri, which has made justice more accessible to the people of the region. He also acknowledged the State for being a pillar of strength and support in ensuring the infrastructure was available to the people of the region.
