Before putting down his gavel and starting for a new innings in life, the outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana on Friday said he was sorry for not being able to tackle the issues plaguing listing of cases in the Supreme Court.
CJI Ramana stated that the although pendency of cases is a huge challenge faced by courts but he the Indian judiciary cannot be defined or judged by one single order or judgment.
He said that “I must admit that issue of listing and posting of matters is one of the areas on which I could not pay requisite attention. I am sorry for that. We are busy in fire fighting on all days.
The CJI also added that the integrity and reputation of the institution like courts should be protected by the officers of the court and unless the credibility of the institution is intact, the respect can never be commanded from the people in the society.
He further added”Indian judiciary has grown with time. It cannot be defined or judged by one single order or judgment. At all times, the majesty of this great institution shall be protected and defended by the bench and the bar.”
Giving a remedy to the pendency , CJI said that the functioning of the system has to be reformed with the modern technology which should be deployed.
CJI added that “We need to deploy modern technologies courts and artificial intelligence (AI) to find the lasting solutions. Even though we tried developing some modules because of compatibility issues and security issues we could not make such progress, due to COVID-19, our priority was running of court. Unlike commercial establishments we cannot secure products from the market.”
CJI said that unlike other places the needs in judiciary are different and only with the support of bar can the necessary changes be brought.
Giving a piece of advice to the senior members, CJI added that they should guide their juniors on the correct path.
He added”In last 16 months, only 50 days of full hearing could be conducted. Of course each one of us have to make out own contribution. I have done my bit to the best of my ability. I tried to meet needs of bar whether it be creating space of lawyers or something else.”