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CJI Surya Kant: True Justice Resides in Grassroot District Courts

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that true justice is delivered at the grassroots level in district courts, not primarily in appellate courts. He argued that district courts are wrongly labeled as "lower courts" and play an equivalent or bigger constitutional role in enforcing civil rights. The CJI appealed to senior lawyers to mentor juniors in district courts and incentivize practice there to build a strong foundation. Other dignitaries, including Delhi Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya, praised Justice Surya Kant's remarkable journey from a district court lawyer to the top judicial post.

Key Points: CJI Champions District Courts as True Seat of Justice

  • District courts are constitutional & crucial
  • They are wrongly called 'lower courts'
  • Foundation for legal careers is built there
  • Incentives needed for lawyers to practice at district level
4 min read

'True justice resides in grassroot level court,' says CJI Surya Kant

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasizes the foundational role of district courts, urging lawyers to practice there and learn the art of drafting.

"Justice does not primarily reside in appellate level courts. True justice resides in the grassroot level courts. - CJI Surya Kant"

New Delhi, January 19

The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday emphasised the role of district courts in the Indian judicial system.

Addressing a gathering in the national capital, where he was felicitated by the office bearers of 13 Bar Associations of Delhi, the CJI said, "Justice does not primarily reside in appellate level courts. True justice resides in the grassroot level courts."

During his address, Justice Surya Kant said the district courts were wrongly defined as lower courts. "When I was informed that this program would be organised by all the associations, I was very keen to come," CJI said.

Last week, he was felicitated by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA).

While recalling his days at the trial court, he said, "I was very fortunate to join the office of a leading senior civil lawyer who was extremely particular about drafting and was very keen about the framing of issues and gave me sleepless nights for preparation

"Whatever heights I have achieved, my foundation in district court gave me that," CJI expressed his gratitude.

"We must not forget that the district court is defined in the Constitution, and as a result, the district court plays an equivalent or rather a bigger role, Justice Surya Kant said.

He added that the District Court is the place where the law becomes regular and immediate.

CJI stressed, "In terms of enforcement of civil rights, the place of their enforcement should be district courts."

He also referred to the issues of the legal profession, adding that "the issues here are that with new laws, schools, brilliant students are coming out, but not all of them are coming to the bar, or they are misconceived that their practice should be in the High Court or the Supreme Court".

"The district courts are breeding centres. We should incentivise them to practice in district courts even for a while, CJI said.

Justice Suryakant appealed to lawyers to begin with the district court, learn drafting and the art of examination. "My appeal to all senior advocates is to share the knowledge with juniors about the art in district courts. Let us try to incentivise our district court, CJI Suryakant said.

During the event, the Chief Justice of Delhi, DK Upadhyaya, expressed his gratitude for being a part of the gathering. He also threw light on the professional journey of the CJI. His journey when he started in Hisar can only be imagined when he took the leap of faith and went to Chandigarh to set up his own practice.

"He (CJI) shattered the ceiling when he became the youngest advocate general of the state. Despite reaching the sky, he has his feet on the ground," Justice Upadhyaya said.

He further said, "No matter how far you make it, you must remember that success never comes alone."

"Justice Surya Kant's vision is about justice to be provided even to the person standing at the end of the queue," Justice Upadhyaya said.

Justice Vikram Nath of the Supreme Court said that a lawyer has a very important role since the days of the freedom movement till today. He addressed the gathering in Hindi and also recited a poem on the significance and the role of lawyers in society.

During his welcome address, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma highlighted the remarkable journey of the CJI from the trial court up upto the Supreme Court.

Bar Council Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra and senior advocate Vikas Singh also addressed the gathering. Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) President N Hariharan and other office bearers were also present during the program.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His words are so true. My father is a lawyer in a district court in UP. The struggle is real—less pay, immense pressure, and often no recognition. Young lawyers all want the glamour of High Courts. We need the incentives he's talking about.
R
Rohit P
Respect to CJI Surya Kant for keeping it real. But speeches are one thing, action is another. The infrastructure in most district courts is pathetic. No proper seating, files getting lost, and cases dragging for decades. Let's see some concrete plans to fix the ground reality.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has followed the Indian legal system, this is a refreshing perspective. The focus on foundational skills at the district level is crucial for any robust judiciary. The "breeding centres" analogy is spot on.
V
Vikram M
"Justice to be provided even to the person standing at the end of the queue." This is the most important line. In our country, the poor and the marginalised are always at the end of that queue. Strengthening district courts is the first step to reaching them. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
A much-needed mindset shift. We've glorified Supreme Court lawyers for too long. The real heroes are in the district courts handling hundreds of cases daily with limited means. Let's hope senior advocates actually heed his appeal to mentor juniors at that level.

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