CJI Justice Surya Kant Felicitated in Jodhpur, Given a Grand Welcome Reflecting Rajasthan’s Pride and Heritage
Jodhpur: Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant was felicitated at a grand ceremony held at the Rajasthan High Court’s Heritage Complex in Jodhpur.
The event was jointly organised by the Rajasthan High Court Advocates Association and the Rajasthan High Court Lawyers Association, Jodhpur, and was attended by Supreme Court judges, Rajasthan High Court judges, senior judicial officers and a large number of advocates.
CJI Justice Surya Kant: Courts Should Be as Sensitive as Hospitals
Speaking at the ceremony, CJI Justice Surya Kant called for a more humane and sensitive justice system. He said courts should be as sensitive as hospitals, where a person seeking justice should receive not only legal assistance but also trust, respect and a sense of belonging.
Drawing a comparison with hospitals, the CJI said that when a person arrives at a hospital, they are often worried about their illness and future. If doctors, nurses or paramedical staff speak to them warmly and reassure them, much of their fear can be reduced.
Similarly, a person approaching the court for justice is also under mental pressure because of concerns about their rights, problems and future.
Justice Surya Kant said that basic facilities such as proper seating, drinking water and clean washrooms, along with timely hearings and proper guidance from lawyers, can significantly reduce a litigant’s mental burden.
He emphasised that a litigant is not merely a case number but a person who comes to court with personal difficulties and expectations.
The CJI also stressed that judicial infrastructure is not an additional facility but a necessity for an effective justice system. He said a scientific assessment is being carried out to determine judicial infrastructure requirements from district courts to High Courts.
He also highlighted the need for adequate chambers, libraries and other facilities, particularly for first-generation and young lawyers.
Justice Sandeep Mehta: Delaying Use of Ready Infrastructure Wastes Public Resources
Supreme Court Judge Justice Sandeep Mehta, while addressing the gathering, remarked that the “Sun” had arrived in the Sun City, referring to CJI Surya Kant and also making a reference to Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and himself.
Justice Mehta said the judicial complex had been the workplace of several judges and advocates. He expressed concern that the newly constructed court building had remained unused for nearly a year.
He said delaying the use of completed infrastructure amounts to wastage of public resources and also increases the possibility of damage to the building.
He stressed that completed judicial buildings should be brought into use immediately so that litigants can benefit from modern facilities.
He also suggested replacing the old District Court building with a modern, digital and multi-storey building in the same complex to meet Jodhpur’s future judicial requirements.
Justice Vijay Bishnoi: New Building Will Address Jodhpur Courts’ Practical Problems
Supreme Court Judge Justice Vijay Bishnoi said the new building would help address several practical problems faced by Jodhpur’s judicial system.
He said around 15 courts are currently functioning from rented buildings, where limited space and parking facilities create difficulties for judicial officers, advocates and litigants.
The new building would help reduce these problems and bring more courts together in a single complex.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani: Ethical Values Must Be Strengthened in Legal Profession
Attorney General R. Venkataramani highlighted the need to strengthen ethical values in the legal profession. He said advocates have an important role in strengthening the country and that their responsibility goes beyond simply practising law.
He also spoke about India’s linguistic diversity and the role of National Law Universities in strengthening legal education.
Acting CJ Sanjeev Prakash Sharma: Jodhpur Bar Has a Rich Judicial Legacy
Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma highlighted the rich judicial legacy of the Jodhpur Bar.
He said six members associated with the two Bar Associations have gone on to become Supreme Court judges, while 46 have served as Rajasthan High Court judges.
He also urged advocates to continuously develop their technological skills and prepare themselves for emerging challenges.
Justice Dinesh Maheshwari: Jodhpur Judicial Complex Has Seen Decades of Development
Law Commission Chairman Justice Dinesh Maheshwari recalled his association with Jodhpur since 1980-81 and said he had witnessed the judicial complex develop over the years.
He noted that the complex had initially expanded horizontally and has now seen vertical expansion with the construction of the new seven-storey building. He also praised Jodhpur’s tradition of hospitality.
Justice P.S. Bhati: Technology, Women’s Empowerment and ADR Are Key to Future Justice System
Rajasthan Highcourt Judge Justice P.S. Bhati highlighted three key areas for the future of the justice system—technology, women’s empowerment and mediation/ADR.
He said the judiciary should not remain a silent observer of technological changes but should adopt them in time. He stressed that AI should be used as an assistive tool while remaining cautious about fake citations, deepfakes and other forms of misuse.
He also called for greater opportunities and leadership roles for women advocates and stronger mediation and ADR mechanisms.
CJI Justice Surya Kant Honoured With Traditional Rajasthani Turban
During the felicitation ceremony, CJI Justice Surya Kant was honoured with a traditional Rajasthani turban and a special symbol representing Rajasthan’s culture and traditions.