Last update:November 12, 2024, 10:49 p.m. IST

Usually, lawyers mention their cases before the court headed by the CJI at the start of the day’s proceedings for out-of-turn listings and hearing of cases on grounds of urgency.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was sworn in as the 51st CJI on November 11, expressed his profound honor in heading the judiciary, the third pillar of democracy. (Image: PTI/File)

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday said no oral submission for urgent listing and hearing of cases would be allowed and urged lawyers to send emails or written letters on the matter. Usually, lawyers mention their cases before the court headed by the CJI at the start of the day’s proceedings for out-of-turn listings and hearing of cases on grounds of urgency.

“No more written or oral mention. Only by email or in writing/letter. Just state the reasons for the emergency,” the CJI said.

The CJI outlined a citizen-centric agenda of judicial reforms and said ensuring easy access to justice and equal treatment to citizens, irrespective of their status, is the constitutional duty of the judiciary.

Justice Khanna, who was sworn in as the 51st CJI by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, expressed deep honor in heading the judiciary, the third pillar of democracy.

“The judicial system is an integral part of the governance system, but it is distinct and independent. The Constitution entrusts us with the role of constitutional guardian, protector of fundamental rights and the responsibility to carry out the important task of being a service provider of justice,” the CJI said in his first statement on Monday.

He said: “The framework for delivering justice in terms of equal treatment requires fair opportunity for success for all, regardless of status, wealth or power, as well as fair and impartial judgment. These mark our fundamental principles. ” “The responsibility entrusted to us affirms our commitment as protectors of citizens’ rights and as resolvers of disputes. It is our constitutional duty to ensure easy access to justice to all citizens of our great nation,” he said.

Chief Justice Khanna identified the pressing challenges facing the judiciary, including the need to reduce case backlogs, make litigation affordable and simplify complex legal processes.

Recognizing that the justice system must meet the needs of all citizens, he presented a vision to make the courts more accessible and user-friendly.

The CJI aimed to adopt a self-assessment approach that was receptive and responsive to feedback in its work, the apex court said in a statement.

“Making judgments understandable for citizens and promoting mediation will be a priority,” he said.

With emphasis on the management of criminal cases, the CJI pledged to prioritize reducing the length of trials, adopt a systematic approach and ensure that court proceedings are not exhausting for citizens . He also stressed the importance of promoting mediation to effectively resolve disputes and deliver timely justice.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)