Chandigarh, January 10: Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant on Saturday said that courts are being established closer to people to ensure speedy and accessible justice for all. He stated that when courts are located nearer to citizens, it becomes easier for them to protect their rights and seek legal remedies without hardship.
Justice Suryakant was speaking as the chief guest at a programme held in Barwala, where he formally inaugurated a newly constructed court building and laid the foundation stone of a new court complex. Emphasising environmental responsibility, the Chief Justice also planted a sapling on the premises.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Cabinet Minister Ranbir Singh Gangwa, Cabinet Minister Dr Arvind Sharma, Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge Justice Sheel Nagu, High Court Judge Justice Alka Sarin, Justice H.S. Sethi, District and Sessions Judge Alka Malik, Additional District and Sessions Judges Isha Khatri and Saurav Khatri, ACJM Anuradha, and Bar Association president Dinesh Saini.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Suryakant said the primary objective behind setting up new courts is to strengthen “access to justice” by making the judicial system simple, affordable and within reach of the common citizen. Congratulating the Haryana government, he announced that judicial work in the newly established courts at Barwala and Narnaund will commence from Monday.
He noted that the framers of the Constitution envisioned High Courts in every state so that citizens would not have to travel to Delhi for the protection of their fundamental, civil and human rights. Instead, justice was meant to be available within their own states.
Expressing gratitude to the Haryana government, Justice Suryakant said the state has consistently supported the development of judicial infrastructure. He recalled his tenure as Chairman of the High Court Building Committee, during which several judicial complexes were constructed in Haryana with timely financial assistance from the state government.
The Chief Justice expressed confidence that under the guidance of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, judicial officers would continue to understand the problems of ordinary citizens and deliver quality justice. He said the concept of “justice at your doorstep” is being realised through the construction of courts closer to communities, which has proved especially beneficial for economically weaker sections. He added that alongside infrastructure development, the focus must remain on delivering high-quality justice to the public.
Cabinet Minister Ranbir Singh Gangwa welcomed the Chief Justice on his visit to his native region and described the day as a moment of pride for Hisar district. He said Justice Suryakant has enhanced the prestige of Haryana and the nation through his judicial wisdom and has reached the highest position in the judicial system, serving as an inspiration for the youth. Gangwa reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the judicial framework so that people no longer have to travel far in search of justice.
During the programme, Bar Association president Dinesh Saini presented a memento to Justice Suryakant. Among those present were MLA Randhir Panihar, Deputy Commissioner Mahendra Pal, SP Shashank Anand, former MP D.P. Vats, former minister Anoop Dhanak, SDM Ved Prakash, advocates Manoj and Navdeep Chahal, along with several members of the legal fraternity.
