Judges should write judgments in simple language: Chief Justice of India NV Ramana

Judges should employ single language while writing judgments since their decisions have a huge impact and need to be understood by layperson, Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said on Sunday..He also said that Constitutional courts - the Supreme Court and High Courts - should function with utmost independence."Since our decisions have a huge social impact, they should be easily comprehensible and must be written in simple and clear language. It is, primarily, the ability of Constitutional courts to function with absolute independence and necessary boldness in the face of adversity, that defines the character of our institution," he said.Constitutional courts have stood up for the marginalized and Indian judiciary has been at the forefront of shaping this welfare State, he added."Our ability to uphold the Constitution sustains our impeccable character. There is no other way to live up to the faith of our people," the CJI said.He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Valedictory Ceremony of ‘Pan-India Legal Awareness & Outreach Campaign’ organised by National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). .The CJI in his speech highlighted the important role that NALSA has to play in view of the poverty and other ills plaguing millions in the country thereby affecting their right to have legal representation."Independent India inherited a very fragmented society and as Pandit (Jawaharlal) Nehru said 'calling a starved man free was nothing but to mock him'. People's aspiration for dignified life is often met with challenges," the CJI reminded. Thus, this scheme by NALSA assumes great significance, he said."Work we do at NALSA is important for healthy democracy. Today on Nehru Jayanti today we are marking a momentous occasion," he opined..Efficient legal aid, he emphasised is the backbone of efficient justice delivery mechanism."Remember its the trial court which is approached first by an illegal detenu or child in need. Remember one does not need a well dressed lawyer to help them but (what we need is) one who can dispense legal aid," the CJI opined. In this regard, he said that legal aid practitioners trained in handling marginalized communities can make great changes. "They are the best person to guide them to a restorative path," he said.Law students can also play a big role in legal aid movement, he added.He also exhorted the Chief Justice of High Courts to take care of the lower judiciary."As the head of family of State judiciary, Chief Justices of High Courts must take care of their judicial family. They need to be congnizant about needs of both accused and victim," the CJI stated..Before concluding, he thanked President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their patronage and help in promoting legal aid movement. He also thanked Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and NALSA chairperson, Justice UU Lalit.The event was also attended by Union Minister Smriti Irani and Attorney General for India KK Venugopal.