HCs ‘primary sentinel’, must be more proactive, alert to systematic failures in rule of law: CJI
Mumbai: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has said that high courts need to be more proactive and alert to systematic failures in the rule of law.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the CJI, Surya Kant, was speaking at two events here, one at the Fali Nariman memorial lecture and the second at a felicitation programme organised by the Bombay High Court.
He asserted that “justice delayed is not only justice denied but it is justice destroyed.” He also emphasised the need to encourage mechanisms of mediation and reconciliation.
CJI Kant, in his speech at the Fali Nariman memorial lecture, urged HCs to be more proactive and remain alert to systematic failures in the rule of law and not wait for the knock on its doors.
“The goal must be to transform access to justice from a passive right to a state-guaranteed service. Justice delayed is not only justice denied but it is justice destroyed,” he said.
While speaking at the felicitation programme by the Bombay High Court, CJI Kant emphasised on the need to strengthen dispute resolution beyond the courtroom.
“The future of justice depends not only on how efficiently we adjudicate disputes but also on how wisely we resolve them. Mediation, reconciliation, and arbitration are not just alternatives of convenience but they are instruments of mature justice,” he said.
“Courts must create an environment where mediation is encouraged. The success of these mechanisms rests largely on a proactive court where judges are open to exploring alternative dispute resolution with seriousness,” he urged.
