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Judicial ethics should not be compromised at all, says CJI

Judicial ethics should never be compromised as aberrations could bring disrepute to the entire justice system, Chief Justice of India T S Thakur said on Monday, asking the judges to introspect about the public perception regarding their rectitude.

“We need to introspect about public perception about our rectitude. It is painful to see sometimes aberrations occuring at some level or the other which bring a disrepute to entire justice system,” the CJI said at an event to celebrate 50th anniversary of the establishment of Delhi High Court.

“I think Delhi High Court has achieved much, but in terms of ensuring that such incidents (aberrations) do not happen, there is much more to be done. I only hope that brother judges at all level take extra care not to give any room for any doubt or anything that is not in tune with judicial ethics and professional rectitude,” Justice Thakur said.

The function was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi High Court Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice B D Ahmed and other judges of the apex court and high court.

The CJI said financial constraints cannot stand in the way of making access to justice a reality which cannot be achieved if people have to wait for years for their cases to be decided.

“Financial constraints cannot stand in the way of making access to justice a reality. That is absolutely in tune with our Constitutional philosophy that access to justice should be a reality and it cannot be a reality if people have to wait for years and years for their cases to be decided,” he said.

While appreciating the work done by the Delhi High Court over the years, Thakur said more was required to be done as the task ahead was “formidable”.

“Can we rest on the laurels of the past? I would think not. I think this is an occasion to do some soul searching, some introspection and also for re-dedication because the tasks ahead are formidable,” 
he said.

“We all know that with increased prosperity, awareness and literacy, cases are going to grow to larger number and where can it be felt more than in Delhi, which has a very very literate, very very aware and highly sensitive citizens,” he said, adding, “I think it is natural that Delhi judiciary will come under tremendous pressure in times to come”.

Lauding the High Court for emerging as one of the premier high courts in India, Thakur said for a person in the legal fraternity, Delhi High Court is like the ‘Mecca’. “Like for a politician, the ultimate aim is to do politics in Delhi, for people (in legal field) who want to make a mark or get noticed, Delhi High Court is the place,” he said. 
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