At Mandi event, Chief Justice stresses duty, legal awareness; lays foundation of ₹152-crore judicial complex
BuzzBytes
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), Mar 15
Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai on Sunday said judicial institutions must function with the same spirit of service as hospitals, noting that people approach courts with hope and expectation of relief and justice.
Addressing a legal literacy camp after laying the foundation stone for the Mandi Judicial Court Complex, the Chief Justice said that improved infrastructure and facilities bring greater responsibility for the judiciary to deliver timely and accessible justice.
“People come to courts with hope, just as they go to hospitals seeking treatment. Our institutions must work with that same commitment to service,” he said.
Justice Gavai also highlighted that while much emphasis is placed on fundamental rights, the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution of India are equally important and must be upheld by citizens. He stressed the need to organise legal awareness programmes at the grassroots level to educate people about their duties and responsibilities under the Constitution.
The new court complex in Mandi, to be constructed at a cost of ₹152 crore, will be spread across 9.6 hectares and will consist of four blocks, providing improved facilities for judges, lawyers and litigants.
Speaking on the occasion, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring access to justice and rights for every citizen.
He said the government is working towards inclusive development and social justice, aligned with the spirit of the Constitution.
Sukhu also informed that around 5.5 lakh pending cases have been resolved through Lok Adalat in the state, helping reduce the burden on courts and providing speedy justice to citizens.
Highlighting key welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister said the state government has adopted 6,000 orphaned children as “Children of the State”, raised the legal marriage age for girls to 21 years, and ensured equal rights for daughters in ancestral property up to 150 bighas.
Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, said that justice extends beyond courtrooms and includes legal awareness, access to legal aid and timely assistance to those in need.
He noted that collective efforts by the judiciary, government and civil society are essential to ensure that justice reaches every individual.
