The Impressive TimesPrayagraj, February 17, 2024: Continuing the momentum from the previous day’s events, the following day witnessed further strides in reinforcing the judicial framework and academic display at Prayagraj. The day was marked by the visit of distinguished guests, including the Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Dr. Justice Chandrachud, along with his colleagues from the Supreme Court, which included Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pankaj Mithal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Misra, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble Mr Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India accompanied by Hon’ble Mr Justice Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice, Allahabad High Court and other Judge of the Allahabad High Court and dignitaries to the museum.
Law Museum & Archives (A wing of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad), chaired by Hon’ble Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, is a testament to the institution’s rich heritage. Justice Gupta was a graduate of Lucknow University in 1987, and has a distinguished career, practicing mainly in Civil, Rent Control, and Constitutional law. His leadership in the museum project highlights the judiciary’s dedication in preserving and celebrating its historical and cultural legacy.
The Law Museum and Archives aims to preserve and exhibit significant materials including the rare documents and farmans issued by Mughal rulers, which shed light on the judicial processes and administrative protocols of bygone eras. With collections that span four to five hundred years, including judgments, decrees, orders, rupkars (royal decrees), notices, and deeds related to the Sadar Diwani Adalat and other historical courts, the museum offers a window into the legal practices and governance of earlier times. These documents, invaluable in their archival and historical significance, provide a fertile ground for academic research, offering insights into the evolution of legal systemsinIndia.
Following the museum visit, the dignitaries arrived at the Convention Centre Portico, marking the beginning of a series of events that would further solidify the foundation for a modernized and efficient judiciary. The inauguration of the Arbitration Centre by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and other distinguished guests was a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to alternative dispute resolution. This facility is expected to play a pivotal role in easing the caseload of courts and providing timely justice to litigants.
The main event of the day, the launch of the book “Courts of Uttar Pradesh,” took place in the Pandal, where the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and other dignitaries were present, and the book was released by the pious hands of the Chief Justice of India. The Courts of Uttar Pradesh offers insights into the state’s rich judicial history and the eminent personalities who have shaped it. Through its pages, the inaugural book offers readers an in-depth look at the historical milestones and the pivotal role played by the district courts, which serve as the backbone of the judiciary, addressing the legal needs of the state’s vast population across 75 districts. Each district’s court system, with its own set of challenges and achievements, contributes to the broader narrative of judicial administration and reform in the state. District is an important unit of administration and district judgeships are the sentinels of the Justice Dispensation system with a direct public interface. By virtue of this book, an honest endeavour was made to showcase the districts of Uttar Pradesh from a historical and legal perspective, with emphasis on its general brief history, the origin of the judgeships and judicial setup, landmark judgements, eminent personalities and important tourist places.
This was followed by the inauguration of a world-class Judges library in the precincts of the Allahabad High Court by the Chief Justice of India. This library will serve as a rich repository of knowledge with its vast collection of legal books and journals.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s two-day visit to Allahabad has set a precedent for judicial and educational excellence in Uttar Pradesh. Through these inaugurations, the judiciary demonstrates its dedication to embracing innovation, enhancing legal education, and streamlining dispute resolution, promising a future where justice is accessible, efficient and reflective of India’s rich legal heritage. The emphasis on district courts of UP, digitalization, legal education, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms is reflective of the needs of a changing society, ensuring that the judiciary remains a pillar of democracy and a guardian of the Constitution.
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