Jammu and Kashmir confluence of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam; plurality should be sustained: CJI NV Ramana quotes poet Raja Basu

Jammu and Kashmir is the confluence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam; its plurality should be sustained, Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said on Saturday quoting poet Raja Basu..The CJI was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new High Court complex in Srinagar."As poet Raja Basu, an admirer of Kashmir observed, Jammu and Kashmir is the confluence of three great religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. It is this confluence which is at the heart of our plurality which needs to be sustained and cherished," the CJI said. .The CJI also highlighted the importance of district judiciary in the justice dispensation system and urged judges of district judiciary to opt for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. "I would especially urge the District Judiciary to always keep this in mind. You are at the grassroot level, and are the first contact for the justice seeker with the judicial system. You have a direct link with the people. You must persuade parties to choose ADR mechanisms whenever possible. This will not only help the parties, but also will help in reduction of pendency," he said. For the functioning of a healthy democracy, it is imperative that the people feel that their rights and dignity are protected and recognised, the CJI emphasised. .Expeditious adjudication of disputes is the hallmark of a healthy democracy. Denial of justice would ultimately lead to anarchy. Soon the institution of judiciary would be destabilized as people will look for extrajudicial mechanisms, the CJI said.“Peace shall only prevail, when people’s dignity and rights are recognised and protected.”He also opined that the country is far behind in making the Courts inclusive and accessible and if we don’t attend to this urgently, the Constitutional ideal of access to justice would stand defeated.“…the condition of judicial infrastructure across the country is far from satisfactory. Courts are operating from rented accommodations and under deplorable conditions.”.As poet Raja Basu, an admirer of Kashmir observed, Jammu and Kashmir is the confluence of three great religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.CJI NV Ramana .Jammu and Kashmir, he said, currently has the advantage of 100% funding by the Central government and it should work in a coordinated manner to fill the gaps.“I hope that the New Court premises, spread around 1.7 lakh square meters, with an estimated cost of Rs. 310 crores having all modern facilities and amenities, becomes the new norm for construction of future court buildings. I am happy to note that the culture and architecture of this land find reflection in the proposed project,” he stated. .Earlier Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed the gathering and said that judicial infrastructure will be augmented in the Union Territory of Ladakh.Rijiju said that when he went to areas like Baramulla and Kupwara, he saw how immensely satisfied the people were with the work being done by legal awareness camps.“We are in the 21st century's evolving India. Common people are more aware of their rights here and that's why the executive and judiciary need to be on the same page,” he said..The ceremony was also attended by Supreme Court judges Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and UU Lalit as well as Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha..[Read full text of CJI's speech]