Justice tempered with mercy is better: Chief Justice Murari

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 21

Earlier, the judicial profession used to be male-dominated. Now, women have 50 per cent representation in the judiciary, which is a progressive trend. This was stated by Krishna Murari, Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, during an event for newly selected Judicial Officers of the Punjab cadre held at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy, Sector 43.

“Always be courteous to litigants, witnesses and members of the bar. You have to gain the respect of people with your behaviour and knowledge. Justice is good, but justice tempered with mercy is even better. But that should not mean tampering with procedure and laws,” added Murari.

He said to the participants: “I expect you all to be punctual and regular in the court. Reaching court late may cause frustration among litigants, therefore, not adhering to the court timings should be avoided.”

The induction programme was held for as many as 60 judicial officers — 39 women and 21 men — newly selected by the Punjab Civil Service (Judicial Branch). The newly appointed officers will undergo one year of training.

Justice Rajan Gupta, Member, Board of Governors, Chandigarh Judicial Academy, said: “You will often hear people saying that a judge is next to God. However, it is not like that. A judge is supposed to perform his duty.”

Gupta added: “A police officer can also dispense justice. If they don’t do this, their last option moving courts. Judicial officers are required to lead a life where he/she has to be updated with the latest developments.”

Justice Daya Chaudhary, president, Board of Governors, Chandigarh Judicial Academy, said: “There is no other profession that gives freedom as judicial service. Judges are not employees as they exercise sovereign judicial powers of the state. A judicial officer should be a person with high morale and there should be clarity of thoughts.”