Bilaspur, February 08, 2025: A one-day Divisional Judicial Seminar for Judicial Officers of Bilaspur Division was organized by the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy at the Conference Hall of the New Circuit House in Bilaspur. The seminar was attended by 107 Judicial Officers from five Civil Districts of the Bilaspur Division.
The inaugural session commenced with the lighting a lamp by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh. This ceremonial moment symbolized the illumination of justice and legal wisdom.
The seminar was also graced by the presence of Hon’ble Smt. Justice Rajani Dubey, Judge of the High Court of Chhattisgarh and Portfolio Judge for District Bilaspur, along with Hon’ble Shri Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal and Hon’ble Shri Justice B.D. Guru.
During the inaugural session, Hon’ble Shri Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh, delivered a powerful address for Judicial Officers of the Bilaspur Division, emphasizing the need for judges to adapt to the rapidly changing legal landscape. His Lordship highlighted the transformative impact of advancements in forensic science and the increasing reliance on digital evidence in modern legal proceedings.
“We gather here as legal professionals and stewards of justice, entrusted with the immense responsibility of upholding the rule of law in our society,” remarked his Lordship.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice stressed that this role demands continuous learning and adaptation, particularly in light of the evolving nature of evidence stating that:
“The landscape around us is rapidly changing due to advances in forensic and digital evidence, which are reshaping how we approach justice. We must ask ourselves: Are we ready to meet these changes head-on and adapt the law to ensure justice remains clear, robust, and timely?”
Additionally, Hon’ble The Chief Justice underscored the importance of understanding the intricacies of new technologies. His Lordship stated:
“DNA forensic science is transforming our understanding of circumstantial evidence, offering incredible precision that demands careful application and understanding. Similarly, in this digital era, the role of electronic evidence is crucial, requiring us to grasp the complexities of digital forensics to assess such evidence fairly and accurately.”
Hon’ble The Chief Justice also discussed the significance of specific performance law, calling it a cornerstone of equity:
“Specific performance law is a cornerstone of equity, ensuring that contractual obligations are fulfilled when damages are insufficient. We must be well-versed in its principles and the practical considerations that arise in its application.”
Hon’ble The Chief Justice articulated a vision of justice grounded in tradition and responsive to modern challenges, saying:
“As judges, we must recognize that justice is not a pre-stitched fabric; it is meticulously crafted through the keen intellect and expertise of the judiciary. The theme of this seminar underscores the dynamic nature of law, where traditional principles must coexist with modern developments. By keeping pace with advancements in forensic science, technology, and legal theory, we can enhance the credibility of our judicial system and, most importantly, ensure that justice is both done and seen to be done.”
His Lordship emphasized the qualities required of a judge:
“A judge is defined not by the robe he wears but by the depth of his wisdom and the precision of his judgment.”
Hon’ble The Chief Justice encouraged active participation in the seminar and called Judicial Officers to engage in knowledge-sharing, discussions, and collaboration:
“Let us exchange ideas, share experiences, and continue building upon the foundation of knowledge that strengthens our work. Through collaboration and continuous learning, we can better serve our communities and contribute to a more just and equitable society.”
Recognizing the importance of resources, Hon’ble The Chief Justice reiterated:
“Our Judicial Officers are being provided with adequate training and are equipped with the best resources: subscriptions to advanced legal database tools, iPads, and laptops.”
His Lordship then called upon the Judicial Officers, stating:
“With these training and resources at our disposal, ‘the ball is now in your court’ to utilize these tools effectively to reduce pendency and impart qualitative justice to the people.”
Hon’ble The Chief Justice concluded his address with confidence in the seminar’s potential impact:
“I am confident that today’s discussions and deliberations will be both enlightening and fruitful, paving the way for a more efficient and responsive judicial system.”
Hon’ble Justice Smt. Rajni Dubey, Judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court, Portfolio Judge of Bilaspur District, and Chairperson of the Committee to Monitor the Functioning of CSJA, also addressed the inaugural session. She stressed the need for judicial officers to continuously update their knowledge. She highlighted the importance of seminar topics such as Limitation Law, DNA Forensic Science, Digital Evidence, Specific Performance Law, and hoped participants would enhance their understanding of these subjects.
The welcome address in the divisional seminar was given by Principal District Judge Bilaspur Shri Sirajuddin Qureshi, and the introductory address was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Aditya, Director, Chhattisgarh Judicial Academy.
A total of 107 Judicial Officers from Bilaspur, Raigarh, Korba, Mungeli, and Janjgir-Champa Districts participated. Presentations were given by the participants on the subjects of DNA Forensic Science, Electronic Evidence, Specific Performance Law, Limitation Act, and Supurdnama, and in-depth discussions were held on the above subjects.
