Kullu: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant on Sunday laid the foundation stone of Mandi judicial court complex, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 152 crore, in the presence of Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.The state-of-the-art court complex will be built on 9.6 hectares and will have four blocks, providing better facilities for judges, lawyers and the public.Addressing a legal literacy camp on the occasion, Justice Kant said the judicial complexes needed to function like hospitals. He said people go to hospitals with hope, and the judicial system should also work with the same spirit of service. People come to courts with the expectation of relief and justice. He said with increasing facilities, the responsibility of the judicial system also increased.He said Mandi was also known as ‘Chhoti Kashi’, where millions of people visit with great devotion. He added that today the foundation of a temple of justice was being laid at this place, which would soon be completed.Justice Kant said Sunday’s gathering was very important. “Everyone talks about fundamental rights, but fundamental duties are also an integral part of the Constitution and should be followed.”He added that Himachal Pradesh had preserved its natural beauty; therefore, it was necessary to make people aware of their fundamental rights. He said similar programmes should be organised even at the grassroots level so that awareness about fundamental duties could increase.Sukhu, in his address, said ensuring access to justice and rights for every citizen of the state was the commitment of the govt. He said the state govt was working towards inclusive development and social justice in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.He said through education, healthcare, social security and transparent administration, the govt was ensuring that every citizen got equal opportunities and that the roots of democracy became stronger.He said by organising lok adalats, the govt resolved about 5.5 lakh cases that were pending for several years.Chief Justice of HP high court Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, who was also present on the occasion, said justice was not limited only to courtrooms, but also included awareness of rights, access to legal aid and providing timely assistance.
