Workload taking toll on health of judges, lawyers: Madras High Court CJ MM Shrivastava

Chief Justice of the Madras High Court Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava on Thursday cautioned that the heavy workload in courts is increasingly taking a toll on the physical and mental health of judges and lawyers.

Speaking at a full court reference held on the eve of his retirement today, the Chief Justice said the pressures of adjudication, long working hours and the growing complexity of litigation were affecting the well-being of stakeholders in the justice delivery system.

“The heavy workload and constant pressures under which they function are not merely professional challenges. They are increasingly taking a toll on their health, both physically and mentally," he said.

Justice Shrivastava said prolonged sitting, continuous intellectual strain and stress associated with litigation could affect both individual health and institutional efficiency.

He suggested that systemic measures such as timely filling of judicial vacancies, rational distribution of work, strengthening research assistance and effective use of technology were necessary to address the issue.

“A healthy judiciary and bar are indispensable for a healthy justice system,” he opined.

The Chief Justice also emphasised the importance of mentorship and training for young lawyers and suggested establishing a permanent academy for advocates.

“Establishing a permanent lawyers’ academy would be a valuable step towards nurturing young lawyers, not only in advocacy skills but also in constitutional values, ethics and social responsibility," he stated.

The future of the judiciary depends on the competence and integrity of the next generation of lawyers, he further said.

Addressing young members of the Bar, Justice Shrivastava described the legal profession as a long-term commitment that requires perseverance and dedication.

“It is not a sprint, but a marathon. Hard work is the mother of success. You should always be ready and willing for pro bono work and legal aid.”

On his journey at the bench, Justice Shrivastava described judicial office as a position of profound responsibility.

“Judicial office is not merely a position. It is a sacred trust. It demands intellectual discipline, moral courage, emotional restraint and an unwavering commitment to constitutional values,” he said.

He added that judges must remain mindful of the human realities underlying legal disputes.

Earlier, Advocate General of Tamil Nadu PS Raman praised Justice Shrivastava’s tenure as short but impactful.

He said the Chief Justice had exceeded the expectations of the Bar through his fairness and judicial conduct.

“Your Lordship had more than exceeded the expectations of this Bar with your conduct, demeanour and fairness.”

Describing the Chief Justice’s seven-month tenure, Raman invoked the famous Latin phrase attributed to Julius Caesar.

“The best way to describe your brief but impactful stint here would be to borrow the expression ‘veni, vidi, vici’ — I came, I saw, I conquered.”

Justice Shrivastava will be succeeded by Justice SA Dharmadikari as the Chief Justice.