If counsels of both parties agree, settle cases during summer holidays: CJI

Taking a note of the fact that people’s aspiration for justice has increased, Chief Justice of India T S Thakur suggested on Saturday that hearing and finalisation of cases during the summer holidays could be a reality, if counsel of both the sides were willing.

“There is a request that though the courts will be having summer holidays... if the counsel of both parties are willing to take up cases, I will request the Chief Justice of the High Courts to list the cases for hearing... request is also to the judges to hear and finalise them,” he said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new red and pink sandstone building of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court spread over 40.2 acres here, Thakur noted the sprawling new building was the best gift to the judicial system by the government. “I am in the habit of visiting courts both in the country and outside and no building, be it the one in London or Washington, is anywhere in comparison to this... It is a matter of pride that the judicial system has got this outstanding gift from the government.

“A heavy sum of Rs 1,300 crore of the taxpayers’ money has gone into it and you cannot have any complaint that there is dearth of anything required for providing justice,” he said.

The CJI, who recently visited Allahabad to take part in the 150 years celebration of the high court there, said something big should be done this year so that when the festivities come to a close, all could proudly say that so many cases have been settled.

“I will request that in the functions that you are having for the 150 years celebrations, you decide that something great is done and at the valedictory event you can proudly say that so many thousands or lakhs of cases have been finalised,” he said. In a lighter vein, the CJI noted that the new building of the Lucknow Bench was far better than the Supreme Court building and had there been any scope, he would have got it exchanged. Underlining the lack of facilities at the Apex Court, Thakur said the SC building got a bar room only two weeks ago with the shifting of the record room and people were still working there.

Recalling his association with Lucknow, the CJI said he was awarded a doctor of law degree in the city and his father also studied law here.

“Hence, I can proudly say that I am a product of this city,” he said. Eulogising the rich traditions and language of the city, Thakur said if the Constitution permitted, he would have gone back to practise in Lucknow.