A One-day Divisional Judicial Seminar for Judicial Officers of Durg Division was organized by the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy at the District Court Durg. The seminar was attended by 92 Judicial Officers from Five Civil Districts of the Durg Division. The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ramesh Sinha, Hon’ble The Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh & Patron-in-Chief Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, inaugurated the session by Lighting of Lamp. This ceremonial moment symbolized the illumination of Justice and legal wisdom.
The seminar was also graced by the presence of Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Rajani Dubey and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, Judge, High Court of Chhattisgarh.
Hon’ble the Chief Justice emphasized the significance of the newly enacted Criminal laws, His Lordship said that these laws were described as a transformative step towards modernization of the criminal Justice system, incorporating technological advancements and promoting a more efficient and victim-centric approach. Judicial Officers were encouraged to develop a clear and practical understanding of these statutes for their effective implementation.
Highlighting the themes of the seminar, His Lordship noted that the issues selected for deliberation are of great practical importance and reflect the day-to-day challenges faced by trial courts. Addressing cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, His Lordship highlighted the need for adopting innovative case management techniques and tools to ensure speedy disposal while maintaining procedural fairness.
Further, the Hon’ble Chief Justice highlighted the growing importance of electronic evidence and discussed the concept of e-Sakshya, particularly the admissibility of electronic records under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Judicial Officers were advised to remain well-versed with statutory requirements relating to digital evidence in the evolving technological landscape.
Concluding the address, His Lordship expressed confidence that the seminar would enrich the knowledge and skills of participants and provide practical insights for addressing challenges in Judicial functioning. Hon’ble the Chief Justice reiterated that the strength of the Judiciary lies in its efficiency, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice, and emphasized the crucial role of judicial officers in upholding the rule of law and maintaining public confidence in the Justice delivery system.
A significant and defining moment of the seminar was the release of the publication titled “Mediation 2.0 IAISAGR – Mediation Strategy Model for Durg,” which was unveiled by the Hon’ble the Chief Justice and Companion Judges. The launch of this important work on mediation, in his august presence, added a distinctive dimension to the programme and symbolized the Judiciary’s progressive commitment towards amicable dispute resolution.
The event was attended by the Registrar General, Registry Officers, Judicial Officers of District Durg, Balod, Bemetara, Kawardha & Rajnandgaon. Welcome address delivered by Principal District & Sessions Judge, Durg and introductory address was given by Director Chhattisgarh Judicial Academy & concluded with a vote of thanks by 1st District & Additional Sessions Judge, Durg.
During the seminar, participants made presentations on several important legal topics, including the doctrine of competency of courts under Order VII Rule 10 of the Civil Procedure Code and the power to reject a plaint at the threshold under Order VII Rule 11 CPC; strategies for expediting execution proceedings to ensure speedy disposal; tools and techniques for effective disposal of cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act; the purpose, admissibility and evidentiary value of examination of the accused under Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS); and an overview of e-Sakshya along with its mandates under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The seminar provided a valuable platform for deliberation, knowledge sharing and strengthening of judicial practices among the officers.
