“Our problem is large number of cases. Unless the number of judges and courts increase there is no other way to reduce pendency,” Justice Balakrishnan said.
“Tamil Nadu had good number of judges and pendency of cases in the Madras High Court has been reduced by 30,000 within a short time,” he said.
According to him, the public would have more confidence in the judiciary only if the pendency was reduced. “Like any public institution, quality of justice delivery also depends on the trust and confidence of large public,” he said.
After unveiling a statue of B R Ambedkar in the high court premises, he said, “It is apt tribute to Ambedkar’s life and contributions (to society).”
“Despite many constitutional democracies withering away in recent times, Indian democracy stood firm because of a strong Constitution.”
Noting that the judiciary was conscious of gender equality, Justice Balakrishnan, who retires next month, said “We have upheld laws protecting it.”
Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily said the UPA government was striving to realise the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi, former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Ambedkar.
Describing Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, whose party the DMK is a UPA constituent, as a ‘pillar of strength’ for the government, he sought his support on reservation policy and ‘gender justice’.
“We require some more support (from you). We are all for equality of justice including reservation policy and gender justice. Even now there are personal laws which are gender biased. However, we recently brought in two to three laws that are gender neutral,” Mr. Moily said.
“I think it (gender justice) should enter all courts...only then our justice system can be perfect. He (Ambedkar) understood the meaning. It is left to you (judges) to interpret it,” he said.
Mr. Karunanidhi was also present at the function.
