Scriptures are treasures of knowledge, says SC judge

Legal Correspondent
Shimla, December 7

“A hierarchy of law prevailed in ancient India also and everything about law was codified thousands of years ago. But it is unfortunate that we left it all to the western countries to study this,” said Justice V Ramasubramanian of the Supreme Court, while delivering a lecture on the topic “Jurisprudence in Ancient and Modern India”, organised by the Adhivakta Parishad, HP High Court Unit, to mark Constitution Day and Human Rights Day.

In his key address, Justice V Ramasubramanian said: “As per our theology, the advent of Kali Yuga during the reign of Raja Parikshit gave rise to litigations, as it filled people with greed and dishonesty. India is a diverse country and a pioneer in many fields. Vast knowledge is embedded in our religious scriptures, which can be perceived only after going through them thoroughly”.

In the ancient times, there were 14 branches of learning called “Shastras” and the last branch, namely “Dharamshastra”, dealt with law. He said Kautilya had also mentioned about forensic science, in which the cause of death could be ascertained from various changes in the colour, texture and appearance of body.

In earlier times, besides shastras and samrities, commentaries were also there in which the proceedings and stages of cases were mentioned. Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy also spoke on human rights. He said: “Though the legislature and the judiciary have done a lot to protect the rights of humans, we all have to come forward and work together for the protection of human rights.” NS Chandel, president of High Court Bar Association, also spoke on the occasion.