In a recent address at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of court buildings at Karkardooma, Shastri Park and Rohini, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud emphasised the pressing issue of climate change. The CJI stressed the need for individuals to incorporate a green lifestyle into their daily lives as a means of reducing carbon emissions and addressing the current climate crisis.
Reflecting on the extreme weather conditions experienced in the capital city of New Delhi, the CJI underscored the urgency of acknowledging and responding to the impacts of climate change. “This year Delhi experienced the hottest recorded weather. We have experienced two heat waves followed by record-breaking rain in a single day. Our infrastructure must reflect the reality we live in – Climate change can no longer be ignored,” stated the CJI.
Notably, the CJI commended the focus on heat island mitigation and reducing environmental footprint in the construction plans for the new court buildings. He also invoked the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking in advocating for accessibility measures. Recounting an incident where temporary wooden ramps were installed at historical monuments to accommodate Hawking’s visit, the CJI emphasised the importance of incorporating accessibility as an inherent structural consideration rather than an afterthought in building designs.
The CJI further emphasised the significance of court premises as symbols of hope and justice. He highlighted that the infrastructure and facilities of courts play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and just legal system. Moreover, the CJI underscored the fundamental values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as the cornerstone of the legal and constitutional system, with courts serving as the guardians of these virtues.
In addressing the expansion of court facilities, the CJI stressed the importance of environmentally conscious and justice-oriented infrastructure to effectively serve the public. Furthermore, he emphasised the positive impact of the new court buildings on addressing case backlogs and providing a dignified environment for all stakeholders.
The CJI’s remarks serve as a compelling call to action for individuals to adopt more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyles, in addition to highlighting the critical role of infrastructure and facilities in upholding principles of justice and equality.
The incorporation of green practices into everyday life is indeed a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. As individuals, we can contribute to this collective effort by making sustainable choices in our daily lives, from reducing carbon emissions to embracing eco-friendly practices. By aligning our actions with a commitment to environmental stewardship, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.