STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday referred to the judiciary as the saviour of Indian democracy and observed that its landmark judgments on subjects such as 'basic structure' of the Constitution, among others, saved it from losing its spirit.
Attending the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Bar Council of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim at ITA Cultural Complex in Machkhowa as the guest of honour, the Chief Minister dwelt on the long and illustrious history of the country's judicial system. He said that the judiciary has always played a key role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining the fine balance of power among the four pillars of India's democracy, thereby ensuring that the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens remained intact. "Our judiciary has not confined its powers in dispensing justice alone, this hallowed institution has been a major catalyst in empowering our citizens to be well informed about their rights and also upholding them through its pronouncements," Sarma said.
Addressing those present, which included the Union Minister of Law & Justice Kiren Rijiju, Judges of the Supreme Court Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy and Sudhanshu Dhulia, and the Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court RM Chhaya, Sarma lauded the Bar Council for having successfully completed 60 years of fruitful existence. He also praised the Bar Council for activities such as orientation programmes for advocates, steps towards digitization of records, etc.
Referring to the lawyers as one of the most important components of the country's judicial system, the Chief Minister described them as a bridge that connects the judicial system with the people seeking justice. "If court is a temple of justice and then lawyers play the role of priests in this temple of justice," he said.
The Chief Minister stated that around 100 new posts would be created in the lower judiciary in the State, which would facilitate faster dispensing of justice. The Chief Minister also added that of the Rs 9,000 crore approved by the Central Government for improvement of judicial infrastructure, the judiciary in Assam would receive around Rs 300 crore as its share. In addition to that, the State Government would provide another Rs 300 crore.
Others who were present on the occasion included Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh Arup Kumar Goswami, Chief Justice of the High Court of Telangana Ujjal Kumar Bhuyan, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, Chairman of the Bar Council of India Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim Gajanand Sahewalla, Vice Chairman of the Bar Council of India S Prabhakaran, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Bar Council of India Apurba Kumar Sharma. In concert with the celebration, a national seminar on the 'Role of Technology and in Facilitating Speedy Justice' was also held.
HC Museum inaugurated: Meanwhile, Union Minister of Law & Justice Kiren Rijiju on Saturday inaugurated the Guwahati High Court Museum at the old block of the court premises.
Also Watch: