Judges need not be sensitive to the criticisms in public forums about the verdicts delivered by them, said Indira Banerjee, Chief Justice of Madras High Court, here on Saturday.
The judicial fraternity can save the dignity and majesty of the judiciary through their own conduct, committed hard work and by displaying restraint, Justice Banerjee said at the inauguration of three new courts – Family Court, Additional Sub-Court and Additiona Mahila Court here on Saturday.
The Chief Justice said that of late her attention was drawn to the criticisms of the judges in some quarters for delivering certain verdicts and demand for contempt proceedings against those who indulged in such practice which lowered the image and dignity of the entire judiciary.
“We need not be unduly sensitive about the criticism by a few unsuccessful and indifferent litigants in this era of information technology and social media,” she said.
Ms. Banerjee said that as far as judges are concerned their job is over as soon as the verdict is delivered. There is no scope for the judges to explain further about the judgements. All the judgements are very much available in the public domain and it is for the people to decide. “The conscience of the judges should be clear and this is more important”.
In this connection, the Chief Justice said that the judges deliver the verdicts as per the law, and as per their conscience without any fear or favour. The right thinking people knew it is the judgements to be criticised and not the judges. Referring to the issue of split verdicts in some cases, Ms. Banerjee said that this only showed the independence in the judiciary.
On the importance of family courts, Ms. Banerjee regretted that family disputes are very much on the rise with the increase in the rate of divorces and broken marriages. The disputes in family matters were totally different compared to other disputes, she said and called upon the judicial officers and advocates to deal with the family dispute cases with sensitivity.
The worst sufferers of broken marriages were children. The family disputes, maintenance cases should be disposed off quickly and they should not be dragged, she said.
Justice V. M. Velumani, Judge, Madras High Court and Portfolio Judge for Namakkal district, urged the judges and the lawyers of the family courts to act with more compassion and understanding.