Justice should not be compromised at any cost, says judge

Judge of the High Court of Karnataka H.P. Sandesh laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new court building in Bagalkot on Saturday.

He expressed concern saying that the number of lawyers who serve society with honesty is decreasing. “It is time for all of us to have an introspection over this. Money is not important in life. Justice should not be compromised at any cost,” he said.

“Lawyers should keep professional dignity if justice is to be delivered in the temple of justice,” he said.

The event was organised in collaboration with the District Judiciary, Public Works Department and the Bar Association, on the premises of the District Court.

“The Central and State governments should not interfere in the Judicial Department. The Judiciary should be independent. This is the objective of the Constitution. A progressive civilisation can be built only when the Executive, the Judiciary, the Legislature and the press work together,” he said.

“Innumerable freedom fighters have made great sacrifices for our country. Their dream is to build a strong India. Today, we seem to have forgotten such history. If we do not learn from history, we cannot build a strong society,” he said.

Judge Hanchate Sanjeev Kumar said that the number of courts serving the huge population in the country is few. In comparison, developed countries have at least 50 courts for one lakh people. Basic facilities should be provided in all courts, he said.

He said that several development issues in North Karnataka remain to be addressed. He favoured the establishment of an institution to train lawyers in North Karnataka.

Judge Ravi Hosamani, Principal District and Sessions Judge N.V. Vijaya, MP P.C. Gaddigoudar, MLA H.Y. Meti, MLCs P.H. Poojara and Hanamantha Nirani, State Bar Association member S.S. Mittalakoda, District Bar Association president Ramesh Badnur, Secretary Prashanth Narayanakar, Public Works Department Executive Engineer K. Durgadas and others were present.