Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana on Tuesday said that each employee of the Supreme Court, ranging from the junior-most attendant to the Secretary General, have helped in moving forward the wheels of justice.
Speaking during the felicitation programme organised for him by the Supreme Court Employees’ Welfare Association, the CJI said that his experience as the Chief Justice of India for the past 16 months and as a Supreme Court Judge for eight years has been wonderful. The officers and staff of this Registry have played a major role in making this experience memorable, he added.
Talking about the pandemic, he said, “Today, I also remember four of our colleagues, who left us due to Covid-19 since April, 2020. At one point, on a single day, 500 employees of Supreme Court were suffering from Novel Coronavirus. It was a frightening situation. Risking your lives, you all have worked through the deadly pandemic.
“You have ensured that the Supreme Court continued to function without even a single break. It shows your commitment to the institution. My salute to you all,” he added
The CJI said further said that he tried his level best to all legitimate concerns of the employees, adding that the welfare measures were not aimed at benefitting individual employees, but meant for collective benefit of the institution.
Listing the steps taken for the welfare of the employees, the CJI said, “You all must thank Mr. Rajesh Goel, Registrar, for persuading me to agree to observing alternate Saturdays as holidays in lieu of working full day on other Saturdays.
He further talked about child care leave, calling it the right of a child and his parents.
The CJI called the Supreme Court employees, “the true and invisible force which helps the Institution in delivering justice”.
He said, “I am really proud of you. I am proud of this institution. Keep up your good work.”
The CJI further told them that there was no substitute to hard work.
He said, “Hard work, sincerity, dedication and honesty will certainly get rewarded. Don’t look for short cuts – both in life and career. In the long run, short cuts will prove to be detrimental.”
Speaking on the occasion, President of the Association, B.A. Rao said that many welfare measures were cleared by Justice Ramana as head of the Supreme Court, including those, which were pending for a very long time.
These included 178 fresh appointments, 322 promotions, 238 financial upgradations under the MACP scheme, and special increment to all employees of the Registry with effect from August 1, 2022, which is only second in the history of the Registry and granted after a gap of six years, he added.
Justice Ramana also gave merit certificates and awards to the children of employees, who excelled in academics and sports.
Earlier in the day, the CJI, at the request of the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA), visited their office and the Advocates’ Lounge and interacted with the members of the Bar.
Interacting with the members, Justice Ramana said that Judges should freely interact with the Bar and he did not believe in remaining in isolation.