“Security of women is not to be achieved by curbing their freedom”, CJI Dattu on National Law Day

The Supreme Court of India celebrated the National Law Day today. The celebration was organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in the Supreme Court lawns. Union Minister of Law and Justice DV Sadananda Gowda was the Guest of Honour for the function which was also attended by the Chief Justice of India HL Dattu..National Law Day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constitutent Assembly on November 26, 1949. The practice of celebrating National Law Day began thirty years later, when the SCBA, under the leadership of Dr. LM Singhvi, declared November 26 as the National Law Day..The celebration today was attended by a large number of Supreme Court lawyers and a strong media contingent. Speaking on the occasion, SCBA Vice President V Shekhar called for repealing outdated archaic laws. He also advocated for better compensation for junior lawyers and government lawyers..“Justice Delivery system still commands great respect in our country. Law should bring about justice; outdated archaic laws should be repealed….Pay packages of government lawyers and panel lawyers are pathetic. It should be revised.”.Chief Justice HL Dattu spoke on a variety of issues including women’s safety, emancipation of the poor and problems within the Supreme Court..“Political freedom is an empty idea unless the basic needs of individuals are met.”.On women’s freedom he said that,.“Security of women is not to be achieved by curbing their freedom; instead measures have to be taken to tackle sexual harassment.”.He also said that the practice of mentioning by lawyers for urgent listing of matters was taking up too much of court’s time and assured that when a petition is filed in the Supreme Court, all efforts will be made to get it listed within seven days..Union Minister of Law and Justice DV Sadananda Gowda praised the judiciary for its role in preserving democracy and maintaining separation of powers. He also said that the government was contemplating amendments to the Negotiable Instruments Act, the Motor Vehicles Act and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act with the aim to reduce pendency..Gowda further said that he expected active support of the judiciary in implementing phase 2 of the E-courts Project. The Supreme Court had earlier rejected the proposal for video and audio recording of court proceedings which was part of phase 2 of the project..The celebrations came to a close with the felicitation of lawyers who completed fifty years in the profession – advocates Ashok Grover, OP Dua, KB Rohatgi, CV Subba Rao and Vimal Dave. Awards were also given to lawyers who authored books and lawyers who topped the Advocate on Record exam.