Courts are the protector of individual dignity: HC Judge

PUNE: Justice Revati Mohite Dere, Judge, Bombay High Court, on Saturday said, “Gender equality has to be protected everywhere like the recent decisions given by the courts in Haji Ali case, Shani Shingnapur case and Sabarimala case where court stated that woman have a right to enter in temples and dargah and gender discrimination shall be stopped.” 

She was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Justice PN Bhagawati 9th International Moot Court Competition on Human Rights’ at Bharati Vidyapeeth New Law College in Erandwane on Saturday.  

Justice Bibek Chaudhuri, Judge, Calcutta High Court; Prof Dr Shivajirao Kadam, Chancellor; Prof Dr Manikrao Salunkhe, Vice-Chancellor, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University); Dr Rajendra Prasad Gunput, Head, Department of Law, University of Mauritius and 

Dr Zhyldyz Tegizbekova, Professor, Chaddick Institute For Metropolitan Development, De Paul University, Chicago, USA, were also present. 

In this competition, nine international teams and 21 national teams participated.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Revati Mohite Dere added, “Courts are the protector of individual dignity and liberty, individual dignity is the essence of democracy. Respect of individuals protecting the dignity and reputation is a duty of courts. Human Rights are the rights of individuals which are inalienable, universal rights needed to be protected and secure. As technology changes, the dynamics of Human Rights change. Courts acts as a watch dog in order to protect individual rights and dignity and ultimately rule of law. Justice is not to be only seen but seen to be done. Complete impartiality is a must for good justice delivery system. Judicial review, ‘De Novo’ investigation is key to justice.”

Justice Bibek Chaudhuri said, “Right to life includes right to healthy environment, access to justice to all, freedom of liberty and equality. For implementation of human rights, role of judiciary is important. ‘Dharma’ is a boundation of set of rules which are needed to be followed. Everybody has a duty to perform and protect children. Fundamental rights and directive principles, etc have played the role of protecting human rights. Judiciary expanded the scope of rights by its activism. Humanity shall be followed as one religion and manifestation of humanity is a must.”