The work pressure and burden on judges in India while a subject matter of discussion amongst legal fraternity, does not get due attention outside of the Bar and the Bench.
Due to the ever increasing pendency and the very low judge to population ratio, judges in India have a poor work-life balance.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana did not shy away from broaching this subject on Friday when he reminded judicial officers that their mental and physical health are important and judges should take time out from their busy schedule to look after themselves and their families.
"Take care of your physical and mental health. Take care of your family and spend time with your spouse and children. You must take out time everyday to ensure that you remain fit," he said.
The CJI also said that he has taken up the issue regarding increasing salaries of judicial officers with the Pay Commission and there could be positive results soon.
"I am aware of the financial hardships and only when you are free from financial worry that you will do your best. Let me assure you that I am taking up the issue regarding this with the Pay Commission and we will soon get good news on this front," he stated.
The CJI was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Telangana State Judicial Officers Conference at Gachibowli in Hyderabad.
He also exhorted judges to do perform their duties without fear or favour notwithstanding the recent incidents of physical attacks on judges.
"Perform your judicial duties without fear. I am aware about increasing on physical attacks on judges and I am trying my best to improve the same. Directions were issued to improve security of judges, both inside and outside courtroom," he assured.
Pertinently, the CJI also urged judges to be humane and to sensitiese themselves so as to create a congenial atmosphere for litigants in court rooms.
"The litigants will be under a lot of stress and one should try to make them feel at ease. Always remember the human aspects of the dispute. Law cannot be far from equity. It is important to project the human face of judiciary whenever you have scope for invoking your discretion. You must sensitise yourself to the vulnerabilities of parties, minor children etc.," he stated.
Read more about CJI's speech here.
Read our coverage of the event below.