WELCOME ADDRESS OF HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAMESH SINHA, CHIEF JUSTICE, HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT THE INAUGURAL FUNCTION OF STATE LEVEL CONFERENCE OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS OF CHHATTISGARH.

Respected Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, Judges, Supreme Court of India, sitting on the dias;

My esteemed Sister and Brother Judges;

Registrar General and Officers of the Registry;

All the Judges of  the District Judiciary;

Other Distinguished Guests present;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Persons from Print and Electronic Media,

A Very Good Morning to All

It is a great honour and privilege for me to welcome Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge, Supreme Court of India, who has been kind enough to accept our invitation for his gracious presence in this Conference.  His Lordship’s inspiring life, marked by perseverance and integrity, serves as a guiding light for many aspiring Lawyers, Judges and Jurists across the Country, demonstrating that unwavering determination and hard-work can lead to the highest echelons of the judiciary. His Lordship’s willingness and readiness for the betterment of Judicial System                is unparallel. Your Lordship’s esteemed presence in this Conference is a source of immense pride and honour for             all of us. 

It is a matter of pride for me to welcome Hon’ble             Mr. Justice Virkam Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India.         His Lordship is known for his vast experience and profound legal acumen and expertise. I had the privilege and honour to work with His Lordship, both at the Bar and on the Bench         in the Allahabad High Court, which is His Lordship’s parent High Court.  Your Lordship’s esteemed presence in this Conference is indeed an  honour for us. 

It further gives me an immense pleasure to welcome Hon’ble Mr. Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, Judge, Supreme Court of India. His Lordship’s illustrious career as a Judge incepted from the High Court of Chhattisgarh.        From his early days in the practice to His Lordship’s ascent to the Supreme Court, Justice Mishra's inspiring life story is a testament to perseverance and excellence.   

I am overwhelmed to welcome my distinguished Sister and Brother Judges.  Without their unflinching support and co-operation, this event would not have been possible. 

I also extend my hearty welcome to the Officers of the Registry and State Judicial Academy, Principal District Judges and all Judicial Officers, esteemed Guests,          Ladies and Gentlemen and the persons from the Print and Electronic Media.

We have assembled here today on this gracious occasion of the State Level Conference of Judicial Officers of Chhattisgarh on the topic, “Overcoming Challenges : The Emerging Role of District Judiciary in Modern India.”

A State Level Conference plays a crucial role in bolstering the entire judiciary within a State by gathering all its Judges into a unified platform. By organizing this Conference, we celebrate the commitment and the role of our District Judiciary. The primary object of this Conference is to foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences among the Judges.

In a country as vast and diverse as ours, the         judiciary plays a pivotal role in upholding justice, ensuring     the rule of law, and maintaining social order.                         The District Judiciary, being the foundation of our judicial system, bears the brunt of this responsibility. The District Judiciary faces numerous challenges that hinder its effectiveness. 

Today, we gather here with a shared commitment to address the pressing issues that our District Judiciary faces. This gathering of esteemed judicial minds is a testament to our collective commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fortifying the foundation of our judiciary. 

I am confident that through our collective efforts and shared commitment, we can overcome challenges and strengthen our District Judiciary. I look forward to the insightful discussions and valuable contributions that will emerge from this Conference. Together, we can build a more efficient, accessible and just Judicial System for the people of Chhattisgarh. 

In this Conference, we will deliberate on best practices, share experiences, and envision a path forward that will enhance the efficacy and responsiveness of the District Judiciary. Let us leverage this opportunity to learn from each other, inspire one another and forge a path towards a more efficient, accessible and just Judiciary.

There will be two Technical Sessions after this Inaugural Session having the topics which have a great relevance as regards the challenges before the District Judiciary as well as how to address them effectively.

I am aware that all of you are eagerly and expectantly waiting to hear Their Lordships sitting on the dias and therefore, it will not be right for me to stand between you and Their Lordships any longer.  It is time for me to stop here so that we all be benefitted with the enriched thoughts and values of Their Lordships’ on this occasion.  

Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court of India, my esteemed Sister and Brother Judges and to one and all for gracing this event with their presence. Together, let us strive to overcome the challenges before us and continue to uphold the integrity and honour of the District Judiciary in Modern India.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.