Amravati: Stressing that nobody was above the law, Supreme Court judge Justice Sharad Bobde today exhorted the judges and lawyers to work in tandem to meet the hopes and aspirations of people.
He was speaking while inaugurating a new six-storey building of Amravati District and Sessions Court here. Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Vijaya Tahilramani, presided over the function.
"It is not the judges, legislators, lawyers or litigants who are supreme. It is the authority of the rule of law that is supreme," Justice Bobde said.
Stating that India has a sound foundation for the rule of law, he said "In 'The Mahabharat', when Duryodhana seeks his mother Gandhari's advice, she tells him 'If you adhere to law, you can win'."
He also quoted a famous line "Be you ever so high, the law is above you", to drive home the point that nobody is above the law.
"At all times, what is upheld is the rule of law," the SC judge said.
Hailing the district courts, he said, "District judiciary has the power over virtually everything in the district. The importance of district judiciary is inestimable.
Eighty per cent litigations come to the high courts and the SC through it."
Praising the new court building in the city, he said, "It represents the future of Amravati."
The building, constructed at a cost of Rs 47.83 crore, is spread over 16,845 sq mtrs of land and houses 32 spacious courtrooms, a bar room, store and record rooms, library, canteen and a conference room.
During her speech, Justice Tahilramani said, "District judiciary is the backbone of the legal system, which translates theory into practice."
"Regard for public welfare is the highest law. The system exists for the service to people," she said.
She urged judges and lawyers not to waste judicial time and asked the latter to make serious attempts to drive the litigants to settlement.
Tahilramani asked the lawyers' community to assist courts in just and proper manner for effective delivery of justice.
"Work for the welfare of people without wasting time of the court and uphold the majesty of the Constitution, she appealed.
Maharashtra ministers Pravin Pote and Ranjit Patil and Bombay High Court judges were present on the occasion.