“Time is ripe to focus on the mental wellness of legal practitioners” CJI SA Bobde during SCBA Felicitation function

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) organised a felicitation function today in honour of recently sworn-in Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde..The welcome address for the event was delivered by the Secretary of the SCBA, Preeti Singh. President of the SCBA Rakesh Khanna delivered the presidential address. During his address, Khanna observed,.“Justice Bobde perfectly exemplifies all the attributes of a leader. In trying times, Justice Bobde has tried to mould a consensus of this venerable institution.”.In his speech, Khanna also requested Justice Bobde to seriously consider the expansion of the complex of the Supreme Court and to consider the names of the deserving members of the SCBA for elevation as judges to the High Courts in order to fill up vacancies therein..In his address, Attorney General KK Venugopal remarked that every time a new CJI is felicitated, it is like a rebirth of the Supreme Court. On CJI Bobde, he said.“From what we have seen, we know you are kind and courteous. We are looking forward to the reforms, which I know you will have in mind, for both the justice delivery system and for the lawyers.”.Interestingly, AG Venugopal suggested that there should be a three year fixed tenure for the office of the Chief Justice of India. He opined,.“… there should be fixed tenure of at least three years for the CJI and the age of retirement of the Judges should be raised. By the time CJI decides anything, begins to make changes and reforms, it is his time to retire and many are left with a short tenure.”.Following the speeches made by the other dignitaries, CJI Bobde stated that the strength of any institution depends on its foundation. Undoubtedly, the strength of the judicial institution is the Bar, he observed. He added,.“I for one can say, great judgements come from great arguments. It is often the learning of the Bar which influences the course of the judgment and therefore the course of history.”.CJI Bobde further stated,.“The relationship between the Bar and the Bench is special given that by all accounts the Bar is the mother of the bench. After all most judges commence their careers at the bar and then join the judiciary. All of us, I like to think, are co-parceners of an undivided family. Anything detrimental to one of the coparceners naturally affects the others… .…It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the credibility of the bar is maintained. And it will be maintained only if members of the bar continue to act freely, diligently, and fearlessly in promoting the legitimate interests of their clients, without any fear or inhibition.”.He further pointed out that it was the exceptional unity between the Bar and the Bench that ensured zealous protection of fundamental rights of the citizens of this country..“The Judiciary has been able to do its functions because of the strength and support it has derived from the strong, committed, and resilient Bar. Resilience is the only quality that allows us to adapt and change. I have believed, hard and brittle objects break easily and therefore resilience is necessary. Our judiciary is independent and on many occasions, the Bar has stood firmly to protect the independence of the Judiciary.”.The integrity and independence of the Bar must not be compromised, he added..CJI Bobde also spoke about the rigorous and challenging lifestyle of lawyers. While doing so, he acknowledged and emphasized on the fact that mental health has to be given equal focus and importance as physical health..“Legal practitioners are no exception as they continuously face enormous pressure on the professional front. Such a demanding lifestyle can have grave consequences on the health of an individual. I believe, we must no longer live in the hubris that only physical well-being is important. We all can agree that the mental well being of members of both the Bar and the Bench is equally, if not more important. .I think the time is ripe to focus on the mental wellness of legal practitioners. Efforts in this direction must attempt both de-stigmatization of this idea and making available professional help, where necessary. “.The felicitation ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks. Various judges, senior counsel, office bearers of the SCBA and members of the legal fraternity attended the event..[Read the text of CJI SA Bobde’s speech below]