Supreme Court is truly a people-centric court and not a polyvocal one: CJI DY Chandrachud

The Supreme Court of India by virtue of its diversity is actually a people-centric court and not a polyvocal one, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud said on Tuesday..The CJI said that in the Supreme Court, a bench comprising judges from Maharashtra and West Bengal could be deciding a matter from Haryana."This is the true essence of the Supreme Court. It is not a polyvocal but a people-centric court. Each judge brings their own unique experience to the table. People will trust the judiciary when the people dispensing justice reflect them. The judges' appointments have brought diversity to this court," the CJI said.He added that the recent elevation of Justice SVN Bhatti was proof that the institution of the Supreme Court belongs to India, and not to Delhi or Maharashtra alone.The CJI was speaking at the Supreme Court Bar Association's (SCBA) felicitation function of the newly-appointed apex court judges, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Bhatti.The CJI said that such events organised by the Bar were crucial to demonstrate the importance of solidarity between members of the bar irrespective of their language, caste, religion and identity..In his speech, CJI Chandrachud also flagged one of the concerns faced by judges appointed to the Supreme Court during the initial months of their tenure - accommodation in Delhi. He said that newly appointed judges often have to stay at State government Sadans (guest houses) for months on end."One of the problems is judges appointed here have problems in housing. They have to stay in State Sadans for 5-6 months, yet there is not let up in their reading and disposing of SLPs. There is no straight answer, we are providing transit accommodation to help.".Justice Bhuyan in his speech highlighted the dilemma he faced on whether to accept judgeship of the Gauhati High Court, since his law practice was beginning to pick up substantially when he was given the invitation to be on the bench."My father said one should never say no to the call of duty, especially when there is a request from the Chief Justice. (So) I accepted the judgeship," he recounted. He added that it is important for judges to have read the briefs, though they should not make up their mind on matters before hearing the parties."I also realised the importance of oral hearings [as a judge]. Written submissions cannot be a substitute for oral arguments ... I have always believed in cordial relationship between the bar and the bench. They are like two sides of a coin. Respect can never be demanded; it has to be earned. Uncivil proceedings do not behoove the Bar. Public perception of a judge and court is very important. As lawyers we must be alive to our conscience," he said. .Justice Bhatti spoke about how his journey to the top court starting from his career as a trial court judge, has made him aware of the difficulties faced by lawyers and litigants. He said that during the course of his tenure at the apex court, he would keep in the mind the precedential value of Supreme Court decisions, and dispense justice accordingly. "I assure to fulfill all duties of my office. Thank you for your time. Jai Hind," he said..Attorney General R Venkataramani, SCBA president Adish Aggarwala and Vice President Sukumar Pattjoshi also spoke on the occasion.