The 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has announced that no oral mentioning for urgent listing and hearing of cases will be allowed and has also urged Lawyers/Advocates to either send emails or written letters for the same.

Being sworn in as the 51st CJI by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday, he expressed his deep honour in leading the Judiciary.

CJI said, “No written or oral mentionings anymore. Only in email or written slip/letters. Just state the reasons for urgency."

He remarked that, ensuring easy access to justice and equal treatment to citizens regardless of their status is the Constitutional duty of Judiciary.

"Judiciary is an integral, yet distinct and independent part of the governance system. The Constitution trusts upon us the role of constitutional guardian, protector of fundamental rights, and responsibility to fulfil the important task of being a service provider of justice", he also said.

CJI Khanna took note of the challenges faced by the Judiciary such as pending cases in the Court and complex legal processes. He focused upon a need to make Courts more approachable and user-friendly.

The CJI identified the need to adopt a self-evaluative approach which is receptive and responsive to feedback in its working. He also emphasised upon the role of mediation to resolve disputes.

"Making judgments comprehensible to the citizens and promoting mediation will be a priority", he said.



With PTI Inputs