Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Praises District Judiciary and Highlights Increase in Women Judges
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the importance of the district judiciary, calling it the ‘backbone of the judiciary’ and urging to stop referring to it as ‘subordinate judiciary.’ Speaking at the National Conference of the District Judiciary, he highlighted the mental health challenges faced by judges and noted the significant increase in women judges, with Kerala leading at 72%. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other judicial officers.
Key Points from the Speech
The Chief Justice stated that the district judiciary is the first point of contact for citizens seeking justice and is crucial for the rule of law. He stressed the need to move away from the colonial mindset of subordination.
He also discussed the emotional and mental health challenges faced by judges due to the nature of their work, which often involves dealing with suffering and distressing cases.
Increase in Women Judges
Chief Justice Chandrachud highlighted the significant increase in women joining the district judiciary. In Kerala, 72% of judges are women. In Rajasthan, 58% of the total recruitment for Civil Judges in 2023 were women, and in Delhi, 66% of judicial officers appointed in 2023 were women. In Uttar Pradesh, 54% of the appointments for Civil Judge (Junior Division) in the batch of 2022 were women.
Doubts Revealed
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud -: He is the head of the Supreme Court of India, which is the highest court in the country. He makes important decisions about laws and justice.
District Judiciary -: These are the courts in different districts of India. They handle many cases and are very important for the justice system.
Subordinate Judiciary -: This term was used to describe district courts, but Chief Justice Chandrachud wants people to stop using it because it sounds like they are less important.
National Conference of the District Judiciary -: This is a big meeting where judges from district courts come together to discuss important issues and share ideas.
Mental Health Challenges -: These are problems related to how people feel and think, like stress or anxiety. Judges can face these challenges because their job is very tough.
Women Judges -: These are female judges who work in courts. There has been an increase in the number of women judges, which is a positive change.
Kerala -: A state in the southern part of India. It has the highest percentage of women judges, which is 72%.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: He is the leader of India and makes important decisions for the country.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal -: He is a government official responsible for laws and legal matters in India.
Judicial Officers -: These are people who work in the judicial system, like judges and other court officials.