On a pivotal occasion, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change through sustainable practices. Speaking during the foundation stone laying ceremony for new court buildings in Delhi’s Karkardooma, Shastri Park, and Rohini areas, CJI Chandrachud highlighted the recent extreme weather events in Delhi as a clarion call for urgent action.
“This year, Delhi experienced the hottest weather on record. The reality of climate change can no longer be ignored,” stated CJI Chandrachud. He underscored the necessity of adopting a green lifestyle, which includes significant reductions in carbon emissions to combat the escalating impacts of global warming.
The Chief Justice expressed satisfaction that the new court buildings, which will be GRIHA-rated, are designed to mitigate heat island effects and minimize environmental footprints. GRIHA, or Green Rated Integrated Habitat Assessment, is a nationally recognized tool that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings.
CJI Chandrachud further reflected on the symbolic significance of court buildings, describing them as structures built from hope and dedicated to the virtues of justice and the rule of law. “Every case filed, every judgment passed, is imbued with the hope for justice. By improving the safety, accessibility, and comfort of our judges, lawyers, and litigants, we build a system that is not only efficient but also just and inclusive,” he remarked.
The new complexes are expected to boost judicial efficiency, reduce case backlogs, and provide a dignified setting for all stakeholders, according to CJI Chandrachud. He also reiterated the role of the judiciary in serving the Constitution and the people, rather than any singular entity of power.
Also Read
In his closing remarks, CJI Chandrachud expressed optimism about the future of the judiciary, envisioning the new court buildings as modern institutions that will uphold justice and enhance judicial efficiency for years to come. His speech marked a significant moment in recognizing the intertwined paths of environmental sustainability and judicial progress.
