Indian legal system a catalyst for social change: CJI

Dharwad, Karnataka, Jul 4 (UNI) Legal system is not just meant for resolving disputes but it acts as a catalyst in bringing about social changes in the society, Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan said today.

Speaking after inaugurating a Circuit Bench of the Karnataka High Court here, he said the legal system was not the creation of one man or done in one day.

It had been the result of the hard work of a number of eminent personalities. This had resulted in the country having in place one of the best legal systems in the world, which was based on human values, he said.

Expressing happiness over the setting up of the Circuit Bench, the CJI said it had been a 50-year-old struggle of the people of North Karnataka and the dream was ultimately realised.

''I compliment the State Government for building this huge structure. This has been done for the welfare of the people and they should make use of it. This is a great opportunity and the legal system has come to your doorstep,'' he said.

Mr Justice Balakrishnan said the Karnataka High Court had gifted three eminent Chief Justices of India and many other legal luminaries. The Bar members should strive to ensure socio-economic and legal rights to the people of this area, he added.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, in his address, appealed to the CJI to set up a bench of Supreme Court in Bangalore.

He also appealed for the conversion of the Circuit Bench into a permanent Bench of the High Court.

The Circuit Bench, which would start functioning from July seven, would have jurisdiction over eight districts in Northern Karnataka.

The CJI would inaugurate another Circuit Bench tomorrow in Gulbarga, which would also function from July seven.

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