A one-day Divisional Judicial Seminar of Judicial Officers was organized at Conference Hall, Circuit House (New Building), Ambikapur by Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, which was participated by 63 Judicial Officers from five Civil Districts. This Divisional Seminar marks a significant milestone for the judicial community particularly for Surguja Division, as it was virtually graced by the presence and address of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh. The event was also graced with presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey and virtually graced with presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad, Esteemed Judges, High Court of Chhattisgarh.
Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha by means of his captivating address today, highlighted the pivotal role of the district judiciary in ensuring equitable access to justice for all citizens. Underscoring the importance of continuous learning and professional development for judicial officers, His Lordship remarked that:
“District Judiciary – as the first point of contact for citizens seeking justice, it is our collective responsibility to ensure we are well-prepared and academically supported with the latest case laws, conceptual clarifications, and comprehensive access to databases and relevant reading material.”
Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha further underscored the importance of Divisional Seminars of Judicial Officers as a forum for the dissemination of knowledge, collaborative learning, and the exchange of innovative ideas. These seminars, His Lordship noted, are pivotal in augmenting the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system and enriching legal knowledge, sharing best practices, and fostering collaborative learning among Judicial Officers. His Lordship emphasized that the dynamic nature of the law, coupled with the ever-evolving societal challenges, necessitates continuous learning and adaptation.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice expressed his deep concern over the burning issue of human trafficking, particularly in the Surguja division, acknowledging its gravity and the urgent need for decisive legal action. He conveyed his satisfaction with the selection of such a pertinent topic for discussion, emphasizing that it reflects the collective commitment to addressing this critical challenge.
Highlighting the significance of such discussions to address social issues, he remarked:
“Human trafficking is a grave social malaise that demands immediate legal attention. Platforms like this seminar are instrumental in fostering awareness, developing preventive strategies, and formulating effective responses to such egregious violations.”
Quoting the distinguished jurist Benjamin Cardozo, Hon’ble the Chief Justice remarked that:
“The law, like the traveller, must be ready for the tomorrow.”
Hon’ble The Chief Justice stressed the indispensable role of technology in modern judicial processes, particularly in an increasingly digital world. He noted that even a basic understanding of technology could be transformative, enabling judicial officers to optimize their resources, improve outcomes, and ensure justice is accessible at every level. Research, once a laborious task, has been revolutionized by various online legal databases. Hon’ble The Chief Justice expressed his satisfaction that judicial officers in Chhattisgarh are now equipped with these tools and encouraged all participants to further enhance their technological capabilities.
Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha urged judicial officers to embrace these advancements wholeheartedly, reiterating that technological integration is key to ensuring efficient justice delivery. By leveraging these resources, judicial officers can augment their abilities and contribute to a judiciary that remains relevant and resilient amidst societal changes.
Hon’ble Shri Justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey, Judge High Court of Chhattisgarh and Portfolio Judge for District Surguja emphasized upon the initiatives led by Hon’ble The Chief Justice towards development of infrastructure and human resources in subordinate Courts and High Court of Chhattisgarh and also appealed all the participating Judicial Officers to take benefit of the Divisional Judicial Seminar.
The event was participated by Director, Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, Principal District Judges and Judicial officers from the districts of Surguja, Surajpur, Balrampur-Ramanujgunj, Koriya and Jashpur to delve into pressing legal issues that continue to shape the practice and administration of justice. The event was also virtually participated by Registrar General, High Court of Chhattisgarh. These regions, forming the Surguja Division, welcomed a congregation of legal minds committed to addressing the complexities of modern jurisprudence, reinforcing their responsibility as guardians of justice amidst evolving societal challenges.
