New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud highlighted the importance of understanding human life over legal power during an event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to welcome newly-appointed judges.
Justices Satish Chandra Sharma, Augustine George Masih, Sandeep Mehta, and Prasanna B Varale were welcomed at the event, bringing the Supreme Court to its maximum mandated strength of 34 judges.
Chief Justice Chandrachud welcomed the judges, expressing that the Supreme Court would benefit from the diversity of their experience. He emphasised that decision-making, akin to "riding a bicycle," often requires a simple idea of justice, stemming from a judge's vast experience. Chandrachud underlined that legal power alone is insufficient, and the stronger tool lies in a judge's desire to understand human life.
The Chief Justice quoted scholar Catharine Wells, stating, "If you are teetering out of control, it is unlikely that a complicated theory will help to restore the balance." He emphasised the stabilising influence of a simple idea of justice in moments of crisis.
Justice Sharma, expressing his honour at being elevated to the Supreme Court, referred to it as a dream come true. Justice Masih highlighted the legal profession as an area where hard work and talent are recognized, while Justice Mehta thanked senior judges for their guidance. Justice Varale described the Bar and Bench as the two wheels of the chariot of justice.
Attorney General R Venkataramani commended the appointment of judges during Chief Justice Chandrachud's tenure, and SCBA president Adish C Aggarwala praised the Supreme Court collegium for selecting talented judges.