Bar must speak truth to power in testing times: Former CJI NV Ramana

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana recently said that an active bar is the first line of defence against injustice and also the last bastion that must speak truth to power in testing times..The legal fraternity has shaped the Indian judiciary and jurisprudence through its relentless passion and participation, he opined."To the legal fraternity, through relentless passion and participation, we have shaped an Indian judiciary and the jurisprudence. An active bar is the first line of defence against injustice. It is also the last bastion that must speak truth to power in testing times," he said..He was speaking at the launch of his book 'Narratives off the Bench, A Judge Speaks' which contains a collection of his speeches. The book has been published by Eastern Book Company (EBC). The event was held at DIAC Auditorium of Delhi High Court on May 7. .Justice Ramana cautioned against unwarranted attacks on judiciary and said such attachs affects the very foundation of people's trust in the justice system."The judiciary thrives and survives only with the faith of the people. Unwarranted attacks on this institution affects the very foundation of the people's trust. The judiciary has faced numerous challenges in the past, but it has emerged stronger each time," he said..Justice Ramana further said that judges are less likely to seek support from political and executive powers when its position is secured."When the rank and file of judiciary are assured, the highest institutions stands firm to safeguard their rights and redress their grievances, then they are less likely to seek support from other sources, such as political and executive powers.".Regarding the book, he said that it contains a compilation of his speeches delivered at public events and contains his experiences as a student, trade union activist, journalist, lawyer and judge. "This book is a collection of my thoughts which I shared through various speeches delivered in public platforms. These thoughts have taken shape slowly over years of observation, reflection and inner dialog. The words in this book are part of my experience as a student leader, trade union activist, journalist, lawyer and judge. I have tried to crystallize these experiences into words," the former CJI said. .Supreme Court Justice BR Gavai was the chief guest at the event which was also attended by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath as guests of honour..Justice Gavai, who is slated to be the next CJI, congratulated Justice Ramana on his book and said that he would follow the sound advise that the former Chief Justice gave him. "After I adorn the august office of Chief Justice of India, I would remember his words that the duties of the Chief Justice of India are not limited to the Supreme Court but extend to the entire judicial systems across the nation. I assure justice Ramana that I would try to follow his words of wisdom and guidance," he said. .Justice Vikram Nath said that the speeches by Justice Ramana show that judges can speak not just through their judgments but also their reflections."Throughout this book, there is a quiet insistence that every position, privilege must be matched with purpose. Every title must carry with it an obligation to serve, to uplift and to reflect. These speeches offer not only an institutional archive but a map of conscience. They show us that a judge can speak, not just through judgments, but through persuasion, encouragement and reflection," he said. .Justice Surya Kant said that there is a need for justice to engage meaningfully with the public beyond the confines of court. "This collection of speeches champions a principle of utmost importance, namely, the need for justice to step forward and beyond the confines of the courtroom and engage thoughtfully and meaningfully with the public," he said..The book has been published by Eastern Book Company (EBC). The event was held at DIAC Auditorium of Delhi High Court.