President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged the judiciary to recall the talisman of Mahatma Gandhi while delivering justice.

She asked the members of the judiciary to ensure that the underprivileged who are unable to knock on the doors of the court do not fail to get justice because of lack of resources.

Attending the valedictory function of the celebrations to mark 75 years of the Orissa High Court at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, the President said: “Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi has given a Kabacha (shield) to us. We all know about it. That’s known as Gandhi’s talisman. Every one of you is aware of it… I want to recall it here and let me quote. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything from it? Will it restore him to control over his own life and destiny?”

She said: “I hope while delivering justice you must keep the foundation of justice and impartiality intact and recall the talisman of Mahatma Gandhi.”

Amid thunderous applause and a warm welcome by the legal fraternity, the President said: “The Constitution makers have always given priority to the delivery of justice to the socially and economically underprivileged sections of the society. People from the deprived sections of society neither have much knowledge nor have resources to access justice. It’s our duty to ensure that the underprivileged get justice. It’s a question before us, How would they get justice? There is a need for deep churning on this question. I am happy to know that Free legal aid services are being given and many lawyers are giving free legal services too.”

During the course of her speech, she also emphasised the need for speed trial and quick justice. “Everybody concerned with the legal profession should work towards expeditious trial and quick justice. This can only set free those innocents who are languishing in jail on trivial charges. This is a subject close to my heart and I have spoken about it on previous occasions also.”

Citing her long experience in public life, the President said: “I have come across instances of people imprisoned for periods longer than the punishment stipulated for the crime of which they were accused. Such delays are a major concern. Due to this, innocent persons lose important periods of their life. I will therefore exhort all those connected with Orissa High Court to work towards speedy dispense of justice and set an example for the entire country.”

She also congratulated the high court for incorporating technological advancement in the justice delivery system. She also maintained that any institution which does not change with the changing times lags behind.

Earlier she visited Subhas Chandra Bose’s birthplace at Cuttack and paid floral tributes to the leader.

Her visit to the millennium city drew a huge response. People made queues on the road to have a glimpse of the President. Breaking the cordons, she was seen distributing chocolates among children.

She also visited the residence of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das. She also addressed the annual function of the SCB Medical College and Hospital and graced the convocation of the National Law University.