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Top court not superior to high court, both equal: Chief Justice in I-Day speech

Top court not superior to high court, both equal: Chief Justice in I-Day speech

India Today2 days ago
Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, addressing the Independence Day function, said that the Supreme Court is not a superior court to the High Court and both are equal constitutional courts under the constitutional scheme.Talking about the collegium system in place for the recommendation of judges to the High Courts, he said that the first call has to be taken by the concerned High Court where the judge is being appointed. advertisement'Ultimately, even the Supreme Court Collegium cannot dictate the High Court Collegium to recommend the names. The first call has to be taken by the High Court Collegium. We only recommend the names and request them to consider. Only after their satisfaction do the names come to the Supreme Court,' he said.
The CJI also mentioned that a new full-fledged flag post will be ready at the Supreme Court before November 24, when Justice Surya Kant takes over as the Chief Justice of India. Calling Independence Day both a celebration and an act of remembrance, Justice Gavai spoke about historic struggles, including the 1855 Santhal 'Hul' rebellion, the 1857 uprising, Rani Laxmibai, Birsa Munda, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Champaran Satyagraha. He highlighted the sacrifices of thousands who stood against foreign rule and exploitation, uniting various sections of society.He paid tribute to reformers like Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, who in the 19th century championed education for girls from marginalised communities, challenging caste hierarchies and societal hypocrisy.Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,' noting that the message still serves as a moral compass for politics, governance, and life.Justice Gavai remarked on the historic journey of the Santhal community, from leading the 1855 rebellion to having its daughter, President Droupadi Murmu, hold the highest constitutional office. He emphasised that building a just, equal, and inclusive India remains an unfinished work.He concluded by saying that it is the solemn duty of judges and lawyers not only to interpret the law, but to actively uphold and defend the fundamental values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which form the bedrock of India's democracy.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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