CJI Chandrachud Pitches For Green Courts Amid Climate Change, Recalls Stephen Hawking's Wish At Qutub Minar

CJI emphasised that climate change can no longer be ignored and the infrastructure must reflect the current reality

CJI Chandrachud said that court premises like all buildings are not just made of bricks and concrete. They are made up of hope.

While speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of new GRIHA-rated court buildings at Karkardooma, Shastri Park and Rohini courts, the CJI DY Chandrachud said that this year Delhi experienced the hottest recorded weather with two recordbreaking Heatwaves. CJI emphasised that climate change can no longer be ignored and the infrastructure must reflect the current reality.

"We have experienced two heatwaves followed by record breaking rain in a single day. Our infrastructure must reflect the reality we live in - Climate change can no longer be ignored. One crucial step is to incorporate a green lifestyle into our daily lives, which includes reducing carbon emissions. I was delighted to know that the new buildings will focus on heat island mitigation and reduce environmental footprint," the CJI said. 

The CJI further added that the new buildings would expand the capacity of the court to function over one of the most populous jurisdictions in the NCT of Delhi and would alleviate case backlogs and provide a dignified environment to all stakeholders.

"These GRIHA-rated buildings would be lush with greenery and have shaded facades, diffusion of natural sunlight inside the buildings, rain water harvesting among other environmental measures."

Emphasising the importance of accessibilty to specially-abled people, the CJI said that the new building would be universally accessible to allow comfortable navigation of the premises and would have structural safety features. CJI Chandrachud narrated the story when Stephen Hawking came to India.

"Accessibility measures are not annexes or afterthoughts to a building but an inherent structural consideration. I am reminded of a story, where disability rights groups had been requesting for accessibility measures at India’s historical monuments. When Stephen Hawking, the great physicist and cosmologist came to India, he wished to see Indian monuments. To enable his movement, temporary wooden ramps were installed at four historical monument. It is believed that if you touch the Qutub Minar and make a wish, it comes true. When Stephen Hawking was asked what he wished for at Qutub Minar he said that ‘I wish when I leave, these ramps remain’. "

CJI Chandrachud further said that court premises like all buildings are not just made of bricks and concrete. They are made up of hope.

"Courts are made to realise the virtues of justice and the rule of law. Every case that is being filed before us, is with that hope for justice. When we invest in the safety, accessibility and comfort of our judges, lawyers and litigants, we build more than just an efficient system – we make a just and inclusive system."

The CJI recalled that Karkardooma was the first court to be equipped as an e-Courts in 2010.

"It will now have state of the art facilities which are environmentally conscious, justice oriented and accessible. I am hopeful that the new additions to the courts will embrace its rich legacy and create futuristic courts to enhance efficiency and uphold justice."

Delhi LG VK Saxena, AAP leader Atishi who is also Minister PWD, Finance & Law, in Delhi, and Supreme Court Judges Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Hima Kohli, Justice Manmohan, Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court were also present.