New Delhi: Speaking at his farewell, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Friday recalled his journey from Ponnavaram, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, to the very pinnacle of judiciary: rising to become the Chief Justice of India. Recounting his experiences, the outgoing CJI said that peripheral conditions, while he was growing up, were difficult, noting however that it taught him the value of hard work at an early age.
"First time I saw electricity was when I was 12 years old. I learnt English alphabets around the same time. At the young age of 17, I could lead a trade union with around 10,000 workers. I was immersed in so many struggles. I have also suffered on account of emergency. In fact, I lost an academic year on this count," Ramana said.
"I have been subjected to scrutiny. My family and I suffered in silence. But truth always prevails. Satyamev Jayate," he said, adding that reforms were needed for judiciary in India. The Chief Justice also emphasized upon 'Indianisation' or 'localisation' of the judicial system, stating many laws were still colonial in nature and were not suitable for the common man.
Meanwhile, Justice UU Lalit, set to take on the role of the next Chief Justice, said Ramana's popularity meant a 'tough time' for him. "Its a tough time for somebody like me. Look at the popularity of my predecessor. How am I going to don the mantle now? Even before I assume office, I express my inability to go anywhere near this popularity," he said.
"Two achievements (of CJI Ramana) really stand out. More than 250 appointments have been done in High Courts. One-third of total strength has been filled so far because of collegium recommendations. The second achievement is the idea of CM - Chief Justice conference.
Very meticulously he (Ramana) tried to convince them about judicial infrastructure. The conference went on for two to three days, and we can see the result in front of us. In NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) we are looking for public defenders office or legal aid defence council. In every district, there must be this office on the line of public prosecutor. Every district is ready to provide us with an 800sq ft area for the defender's office" he further added.
