Proud to be son of Maharashtra: CJI UU Lalit

Chief Justice of India UU Lalit was felicitated at Maharashtra Raj Bhavan on Saturday in the presence of Bombay High Court Chief Justice Dipankar Datta, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devandra Fadnavis. .Speaking on the occasion, the incumbent CJI, who hails from Maharashtra, recounted his attachment to his home State and called himself a 'proud son of the State'."As a young kid, I always thought of travelling across the State. I did it. I travelled across Maharashtra on a motorcycle. I always participate in the annual Pandharpur Wari (a pilgrimage). I am proud of being son of this State," he said.The event saw great emphasis on Marathi with all speakers except the Governor delivering their speeches in Marathi. "Since this event is to felicitate a son of this State and is in Mumbai, so I believe I too should speak in Marathi," CJI Lalit said while beginning his speech.The CJI recounted his early days in Maharashtra's Solapur, Nagpur and Mumbai, where he completed his initial education and college life..He further said that though he moved to Delhi, he still holds on to his Maharashtra roots. "We still follow our Maharashtra culture in my home. Whatever I have done till date in my career, a major contribution is of this State. He also recounted how as a lawyer in Delhi, he used to argue many cases for the Maharashtra government. "I remember how most of the matters regarding Maharashtra were with me when Sushil Kumar Shinde was the then Home Minister. Thus, I believe I will always be connected to this State. It is kind of an umbilical chord," he said.The CJI further maintained that though he is retiring from service soon, he would not stop visiting Maharashtra. He even expressed his gratitude towards the overwhelming appreciation showered upon him by the Governor.CJI Lalit is scheduled to demit office on November 8..Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari in his speech delivered in Hindi advocated for use of regional languages in court proceedings."I have visited several universities being a Chancellor so have asked authorities there to make use of our State's mother tongue Marathi. It is not like we do not know English but speaking our own regional language gives us a feeling of pride. Even today everyone including the CJI spoke in Marathi and I felt like I am in the temple of Goddess Tulja Bhavani. Thus, I request CJI that we should encourage use of regional languages in judiciary," Governor Koshyari said.This, the Governor said, will help even the layperson understand the nuances of law and court proceedings."Even the common man should understand what is happening in the courtroom so using regional languages will help them to know the same. This will also help in building our nation," he added..During the event, both the CM as well as the Deputy CM spoke in Marathi appreciating the professionalism of CJI Lalit and even applauding the changes that he introduced in the functioning of the Supreme Court ushering in greater transparency.Fadnavis even recounted his connection with CJI Lalit when he was a lawyer. "I have not told this till now but yes I know our CJI as he had appeared in one of the matters filed by me in the Supreme Court way back in 2000s. But I refrained from saying this earlier because these days, the moment you say you know a judge, people start commenting," he said.