Encouraging young legal professionals to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, especially in an era shaped by rapid technological advancements, Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant on Sunday emphasized the importance of judicial integrity and transparency as the bedrock of a fair legal system. Addressing the legal professionals at the inaugural function for one-year induction training programme for trainee judicial officers of Haryana, Justice Surya Kant said, “Judicial integrity is not merely a virtue but a necessity for the sustenance of democracy.”
A batch of 110 officers from Haryana will commence their one-year Induction Training Programme at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy.
Justice Surya Kant, who presided over the programme, said that the necessity for the judiciary to adapt to technological changes to ensure efficient and effective justice delivery. “Technology can be a great enabler but it is our responsibility to harness it for the betterment of the legal system,” he said. He underlined the critical need for accessible justice, particularly for marginalized communities, and urged the incorporation of regional dialects in judicial proceedings. “By embracing regional dialects, we make the law more accessible and relatable to the common man,” he asserted, recognizing the diversity of languages in India.
Acknowledging the relentless efforts of the legal fraternity, Justice Surya Kant praised their commitment to ensuring fair and speedy trials. “The legal profession is a noble one, and its strength lies in its unwavering dedication to justice,” he noted. He outlined three important facts essential for strengthening the judiciary — need for digital literacy among legal professionals to effectively utilize technological tools, significance of pro-bono services to serve underprivileged sections and bridge the gap in legal access, and importance of mental well-being for those in the legal profession to maintain a balanced and just approach.
Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court-cum-Patron-in-Chief of the Chandigarh Judicial Academy, congratulated the newly-inducted judges and their families, underscoring the immense responsibility that comes with being a judge. He stressed the need for impartiality, integrity, and maintaining the highest standards of conduct.
Justice Nagu highlighted the importance of physical and mental well-being for judges to perform their duties effectively. He encouraged the inductees to ask questions during their training to enhance their knowledge and contribute positively to the judiciary.
Justice (Dr) Shekhar Dhawan (Retd.), Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court, had his book ‘My Journey’ launched by Justice Surya Kant during the ceremony. The book is a nuanced memoir detailing his 40-year journey as a judicial officer at the subordinate level and subsequently as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, offering valuable insights and experiences from his illustrious career.