Key Highlights Of CJI Ramana’s Farewell Speech And The Next CJI’s Priorities

At times, the Indian judiciary fell short of people's expectations but most of the times, it has championed the cause of the people and never hesitated to remedy itself, the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said, as he retired today.

It was widely predicted that with AK Gopalan, the due process of law was history. But, this Court, in the case of Maneka Gandhi restored what was taken away earlier, said Justice Ramana at the farewell organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association.

‘'Similarly, ADM Jabalpur was seen as a death knell on personal liberty. Subsequently, the error stood rectified by a nine-Judge Bench in KS Puttaswamy (Right to Privacy judgment).''

The outgoing CJI called upon the members of the bar to work towards strengthening democracy and also reiterated some of his suggestions on improving the judicial system.

Here are the key highlights:

Need Scientific Assessment Of Issues Faced By Judicial System: CJI Ramana

‘'I acknowledge there are many other issues that the system is facing and it needs scientific assessment. From the very beginning, my stand is that since Independence, no systematic assessment of the judicial system in India has taken place. The bar, the bench and the government are all equal stakeholders in the justice delivery mechanism. We need their coordinated efforts to revamp the entire system.''

CJI Ramana On His Weekend Speeches

‘'My experience so far has convinced me that in spite of fulfilling its constitutional mandate, the judiciary does not find adequate reflections in the media, thereby depriving the people of knowledge about the courts and the Constitution. I felt it was my constitutional duty to dispel these notions and bring the court closer to the people, by way of generating awareness and building confidence among people about the judiciary. From what I get to hear from the common people during my visits, I am happy to note that people are able to engage with me on my subject in their language. I have actively tried to promote a sense of belongingness of the people with the system.''

CJI Ramana Gave His Report Card On Judicial Appointments

‘'I am happy to inform that thanks to my collegium judges and consulting judges, in the last 16 months, we could appoint 11 judges to the apex court, and out of the 255 recommended for the various high courts, 224 judges are already appointed. This amounts to nearly 20% of the total sanctioned strength of the high courts. Due to our concerted efforts, we could make considerable progress in appointing more women judges and promoting social diversity on the bench. We got 15 new Chief Justices for various high courts during the same period. This process is a reflection of the coherence and determination of the judges to strengthen our institution, to further the goal of justice.‘'

Want To Be Remembered For My Behaviour And Conduct: CJI Ramana

‘'When you ultimately judge me as a Judge, I would like to say that I may be judged as a very ordinary Judge, but one who greatly relished and enjoyed the job. I may be judged as one who meticulously followed the rules of the game and did not trespass into provinces forbidden. More importantly, as one who recognised preliminarily the moral power of a Judge. I may be remembered as a Judge who heard the senior and the junior alike. As a Judge, I always wanted my name to be etched on the hearts of the people through my conduct and behaviour, rather than case law and journals. I want to remain in those vibrant hearts which will give me warmth and keep me going forever.‘'

Next CJI Outlined His Priorities

Chief Justice designate Justice UU Lalit will takeover from Justice Ramana tomorrow and will have a short tenure of 74 days.

While speaking at the farewell of Justice Ramana, Justice Lalit also highlighted his priorities as he starts his innings as the Chief Justice of India.

Justice Lalit said that he will be focusing on streamlining the system of listing of cases which are filed in the Supreme Court as well as look into the mechanism by which lawyers mention their cases for urgent listing before the court.

Justice Lalit also said that he would strive to ensure the Constitution benches of the courts start hearing the cases listed before them and would attempt to ensure that at least one Constitution bench is sitting at all times during the year.