"It is a culture where disagreement does not turn into disrespect, where advocacy is sharp but disciplined, and where an institution's dignity is preserved even in moments of contest or desperation," he stated.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant stated in Mumbai on Saturday that the Bombay High Court is more than just a structure or a list of judges; it is a culture that symbolizes critical but disciplined advocacy and debate that never descends into disrespect.
The Bombay High Court was hosting a felicitation function where the CJI was giving a speech.
"The Mumbai High Court is more than just a structure or a list for anyone who has visited its premises. It is a culture where disagreement does not turn into disrespect, where advocacy is keen but disciplined, and where an institution's dignity is upheld even in times of conflict or desperation, he said.
According to the CJI, the High Court is a "grand tradition" that establishes standards for courts throughout the nation and is based on intellectual rigor, professional politeness, and institutional independence.
He continued, "With about 160 years of history, the High Court has produced some of the best judges and most formidable advocates and has made lasting contributions to constitutional jurisprudence."
While describing his two decades at the Bar, the CJI also emphasized in his speech that judges are never the only ones responsible for administering justice.
When judges make clear decisions and advocates help with preparation, candor, and restraint, courts operate well. He warned that no procedural reform could make up for the weakening of this collaboration between the Bench and the Bar. "Where this partnership is strong, justice gains credibility," he remarked.
Calling mediation, conciliation, and arbitration the "instruments of mature justice" for maintaining relationships and reducing expenses and delays, the CJI reaffirmed his support for conflict resolution outside of the courtroom.
He stated that a proactive bench and a professional bar were essential to this project's success.
He cautioned that reform must always be driven by constitutional principles rather than administrative expediency and that speed must never come at the expense of justice.
He emphasized that the idea of trust must endure despite all changes.
The CJI stated, "Trust is built every day in how hearings are conducted, how lawyers are treated, how delays are explained, and how power is exercised."
CJI Kant further expressed gratitude to the State government for supporting the construction of a new High Court building and for providing generous budgetary allocations for the construction of judicial infrastructure in Maharashtra.
Regarding the Kolhapur circuit bench's permanence, the chief justice promised to look into the matter, discuss it with the relevant parties, and provide the Supreme Court's unwavering support.
The Advocates Association of Western India (AAWI), which was commemorating its 162nd anniversary, also congratulated the chief justice.
The colonial era and the struggle for rights that resulted in the Constitution were connected by the judge to the association's 162-year history. Additionally, he emphasized that the Bar continues to play a crucial role in defending fundamental liberties.
He noted that the group was founded during a period when the country was ruled by the imperial European powers through coercion. Bombay became one of the chartered High Courts at the same time as this.He stated, "The early Indian members of the Bar made a very successful attempt to create a separate identity for those who belonged to this proud motherland."
He clarified that these attorneys have witnessed the deprivation of people's civil rights, civil liberties, and human rights.
The CJI stated that members of the Constituent Assembly, particularly Dr. BR Ambedkar, placed a great deal of stress on passing Part 3 of our Constitution against this backdrop.In addition to granting those essential rights and advantages to the people, by the people, and through the people, this association has been instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Indian Constitution, he stated.
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