A one-day Divisional Judicial Seminar for Judicial Officers was held at the New Convention Hall, New Circuit House, Raipur, organised by the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy. The event saw the participation of 111 Judicial Officers from four civil districts—Raipur, Baloda Bazar, Mahasamund, and Dhamtari—marking a significant moment for the state’s judicial community.

In a first for such an event, the seminar was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh, Mr. Justice Ramesh Sinha, who delivered an insightful keynote address. Also present was Hon’ble Mr. Justice Parth Prateem Sahu, Judge of the High Court of Chhattisgarh.

During the inaugural session, Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha highlighted the pivotal role of judicial officers as custodians of public trust and emphasised their duty to deliver unbiased and swift justice. He remarked, “What is that a common man expects from judiciary? He wants justice - unbiased and expeditious. To meet such expectations, a judge, akin to Caesar’s wife, must remain above suspicion, guided by steady conscience, while discharging his duties with integrity and intellectual honesty.”

Chief Justice Sinha also emphasised the importance of divisional seminars as platforms for legal knowledge sharing and fostering collaboration among judicial officers. He stressed that the ever-evolving nature of the law, compounded by the challenges faced by society, demands continuous learning and adaptation.

A notable point in his address was the focus on the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, particularly in cases involving rape victims. The Chief Justice expressed concern over the fact that despite existing legal provisions, some victims are still compelled to approach the High Court for justice. He underscored the need for deeper understanding and practical application of the law to avoid such gaps.

In his address, the Chief Justice also raised concerns about the delays caused by interlocutory applications in civil trials and urged judicial officers to take decisive action. “I urge all Judicial Officers to carry out their judicial duties boldly and judiciously and to ensure that law should not be used as a tool for oppression but as an instrument of justice. I would like to assure here that your actions in pursuit of justice will undoubtedly receive strong support from the High Court,” he said.

The Chief Justice further elaborated on the importance of embracing modern developments in the legal field, including Artificial Intelligence, technological advancements, and forensic evidence. Quoting renowned jurist Nani Palkhivala, he said, “The law cannot afford to stay static while society advances.”

The event saw participation from key dignitaries, including the Registrar General, Principal Secretary (Law), Director of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, Principal District Judges, and judicial officers. The seminar provided a platform for discussions on pressing legal issues, reinforcing the commitment of the judicial officers to tackle the complexities of modern jurisprudence.

Chief Justice Sinha concluded his address by stressing the importance of humility and the necessity of continuous learning. He highlighted that by sharing best practices and innovative solutions, judicial officers can better address contemporary challenges, ensuring the judiciary remains both efficient and effective.