Bombay High Court Is a Living Culture, Not Just a Building: CJI Surya Kant

The Bombay High Court is not just a physical structure or a matter of judicial rosters, but a living culture that reflects discipline, dignity and respect in advocacy, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Saturday in Mumbai.

Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the High Court, the CJI said the institution stands for sharp legal arguments that are firmly rooted in discipline. He highlighted that even strong disagreements in courtrooms do not slip into disrespect, and the dignity of the institution is upheld even in the most challenging situations.

Describing the Bombay High Court as a “grand tradition”, Justice Kant said its strength lies in intellectual rigour, professional civility and institutional independence. With a history of over 160 years, the High Court has produced some of the country’s finest judges and advocates and has made lasting contributions to constitutional law.

Drawing from his two decades at the Bar, the CJI stressed that justice delivery is a shared responsibility. Courts, he said, function best when judges decide cases with clarity and lawyers assist the court with preparation, honesty and restraint. He cautioned that no procedural reform can succeed if the partnership between the Bench and the Bar weakens.

Justice Kant also reiterated the importance of resolving disputes outside traditional courtrooms. He described mediation, conciliation and arbitration as tools of “mature justice” that help preserve relationships and reduce costs and delays. However, their success depends on an active Bench and a responsible Bar.

Warning against prioritising speed over fairness, the CJI said reforms must always be guided by constitutional values and not administrative convenience. He underlined that trust is central to the justice system and is built through daily courtroom conduct, respectful treatment of lawyers, transparent handling of delays and responsible use of power.

The CJI thanked the Maharashtra government for allocating funds towards judicial infrastructure and supporting the construction of a new High Court building. On the issue of making the Kolhapur circuit Bench permanent, he assured that the matter would be examined and taken up with the concerned authorities.

Justice Kant was also felicitated by the Advocates Association of Western India, which marked its 162nd anniversary. He linked the Association’s history to the colonial period and the struggle for rights that eventually led to the framing of the Constitution.

Recalling the role of early Indian lawyers, he said they witnessed widespread denial of human and civil rights under colonial rule. This experience, he noted, shaped the strong emphasis on fundamental rights in Part III of the Constitution by members of the Constituent Assembly, including Dr BR Ambedkar.

“The Bar has played a vital role in securing fundamental rights for the people, by the people and through the people,” the CJI said, adding that lawyers continue to have a crucial role in protecting constitutional freedoms today.