President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday (September 1) unveiled a new flag and insignia for the Supreme Court to commemorate its 75th anniversary. She also addressed the gathering on the occasion. Among those who were present at the event included Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
The President graced the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, organised by the Supreme Court of India, in New Delhi. She said that the pendency of court cases is a big challenge for “all of us”.
She called for efforts to change the “culture of adjournments” in courts to ensure swift justice. She said that all judges of the country have the responsibility to protect justice.
President Murmu said common people’s stress level increases in courtroom settings, a phenomenon she coined as “Black Coat syndrome,” and suggested it be studied. She also expressed happiness over the increase in the number of women judicial officers.
She said that since its establishment, the Supreme Court of India has made an invaluable contribution as a vigilant sentinel of the judicial system of the world’s largest democracy. She stressed the need to ponder upon the serious issue of cases remaining pending for as long as over 32 years.
“There are many challenges before our judiciary which will require coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to resolve them. For example, the judiciary, government and police administration should work together to find solutions to issues related to evidence and witnesses,” she said.
Talking about the crimes like rape, the President said that when there are delayed decisions on such incidents, the common man feels “lack of sensitivity” in the judicial process.
“When court decisions in a heinous crime like rape come after a generation has passed, the common man feels that the judicial process lacks sensitivity. It is a sad aspect of our social life that, in some cases, people with resources continue to roam around fearlessly and freely even after committing crimes. Those who suffer from their crimes live in fear as if those poor people have committed some crime,” she added.
She said common people’s stress level increases in courtroom settings, a phenomenon she coined as “Black Coat syndrome,” and suggested it be studied. She also expressed happiness over the increase in the number of women judicial officers.
