Supreme Court stands for welfare of common man: CJI

Kochi, Feb 16 (UNI) Reiterating the importance of social commitment in judiciary, Chief Justice of India (CJI) K G Balakrishnan today said the apex court has always stood for the welfare of the common man.

Speaking at a function organised by the Kerala Government to honour him here, Justice Balakrishnan said the Supreme Court had stood for the welfare of the people as social commitment was part of judiciary.

''It is not a particular commitment, but the judges have a reponsibility towards the organisations working for the welfare of the people,'' he noted.

Justice Balakrishnan also noted that the Indian Judiciary was respected all over the world. Lauding Kerala's social reforms, he said the state achieved the reforms through education.

He cited the examples - Vaikkom Satyagraha, Temple Entry Proclamation and the reform activities of Narayana Guru.

Expressing his happiness over attaining the highest judicial position in the country, Justice Balakrishnan said he was aware of the immense responsiblity of the CJI.

Delivering his inaugural speech, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said the appointment of Justice Balakrishnan as the CJI was a moment to cherish for the state.

He said the fulcrum of the democracy revolved around judiciary and the society could move forward only through law reforms.

Mr Achuthanandan said through Justice Balakrishnan, the Indian judiciary got a new light and hoped that the legal system would scale new heights during his tenure.

In the function, the Cheif Minister presented a momento to Justice Balakrishnan.

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