Himachal Pradesh News
CJI Surya Kant Says Courts Must Treat Every Litigant with Compassion and Fairness
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Sunday highlighted the importance of empathy and compassion in the justice system, saying that every litigant approaching the courts deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness.
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Sunday highlighted the importance of empathy and compassion in the justice system, saying that every litigant approaching the courts deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness.
Speaking during the foundation stone ceremony of the Integrated Judicial Complex in Mandi, which will be built at an estimated cost of ₹152 crore, the Chief Justice described courts as the “temple of law” where people arrive with hope and trust in the justice system.
He stressed that the judiciary must not only deliver legal judgments but also ensure that individuals seeking justice feel heard and respected.
Courts Should Provide Relief Like Hospitals
Justice Surya Kant said the role of the judiciary—especially the High Courts—should be similar to that of a hospital that provides relief and support to those in need.
According to him, everyone involved in the legal system must work with empathy, fairness, and compassion, ensuring that litigants feel justice has truly been served.
He added that such an approach would strengthen the humanitarian image of the judiciary in the eyes of the public.
Concern Over Offensive Public Discourse
The Chief Justice also expressed concern about the increasing use of offensive language on social media platforms, podcasts, and public discussions.
He pointed out that while people often talk about freedom of speech, they sometimes forget the responsibility and fundamental duties that come with that freedom.
“It is ironic that while protecting our own freedom of speech, we sometimes ignore our duty to respect others,” he said.
Balance Between Fundamental Rights and Duties
Justice Surya Kant noted that discussions in society often focus heavily on fundamental rights, but fundamental duties receive far less attention.
He emphasised that protecting the environment—trees, rivers, and mountains—is not just the government’s responsibility but also a duty of every citizen.
People must remain mindful that while exercising their own rights, they must also respect the rights of others.
Himachal’s Natural Beauty Must Be Protected
Praising Himachal Pradesh for its natural beauty, the CJI said the state is blessed with forests, mountains, and rivers that must be preserved for future generations.
He suggested that the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority could play a key role in spreading awareness about citizens’ duties.
Para-legal volunteers, he said, should take this message to villages and grassroots communities so that people understand the importance of both their rights and responsibilities.
Justice Surya Kant added that Himachal Pradesh has the potential to become a model state for the entire country in promoting awareness about fundamental duties.
Mandi’s ‘Temple of Law’
Referring to Mandi’s reputation as “Chotti Kashi”, known for its strong spiritual traditions, the Chief Justice said the new judicial complex will serve as a modern temple of law for lawyers, litigants, and the public.
Judiciary Becoming More People-Centric
Speaking at the event, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court Justice GS Sandhawalia said that legal services authorities have helped transform the justice system from being court-centric to people-centric.
He noted that these authorities play a crucial role in ensuring access to justice so that no citizen is deprived of legal support due to financial constraints.
Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Executive Chairman of the HP State Legal Services Authority, also stressed the importance of making citizens aware of their fundamental duties.
