Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the judiciary has played a vital role in keeping India's democracy vibrant and strong since Independence. The country's glorious judicial traditions, coordination between the Bar and the Bench, and commitment to the Constitution have strengthened the democratic system. At a time when several countries across the world are witnessing political and social upheavals, India stands firm as the world's largest democracy. This is a testament to the strength of our judiciary and judicial traditions. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing a felicitation ceremony organised by the Advocate General's Office in Jabalpur on Friday. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Justice Alpesh Yashwant Kogje, were felicitated at the ceremony.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that India's judicial traditions are not confined to the constitutional framework but are deeply embedded in its culture, literature and social life. From Munshi Premchand's story Panch Parmeshwar to films such as Mother India, examples of justice, morality and duty can be found. These reflect Indian society's enduring commitment to justice and ethical values.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that India's democratic traditions have witnessed several challenging periods. Even during the Emergency, the role of the judiciary and its judgments remained significant in the country's democratic history. He said that India's judicial system and constitutional institutions have contributed to preserving the fundamental spirit of democracy.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, outdated colonial-era laws have been repealed and new laws introduced to align the country's judicial system with contemporary requirements. He added that the State Government has also repealed more than 900 obsolete laws, many of which had lost their relevance over time. These measures have been undertaken to make the governance system more responsive to present-day needs.
Judiciary and Government Must Discharge Respective Responsibilities
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the beauty of democracy lies in the fact that courts function independently while the government elected by the people discharges its responsibilities. Both institutions have their respective constitutional boundaries and responsibilities. He said that, at times, it also becomes challenging to determine which issues require submitting a memorandum and which matters call for seeking judicial intervention.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, referring to the situations in neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, that India is the world's largest democracy and the most populous country. Despite this, the continued strength of its democratic system is a matter of pride. The judiciary, the Bar and the country's judicial traditions have made a significant contribution to this achievement.
Chief Justice Kogje Felicitated
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav welcomed Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Justice Alpesh Yashwant Kogje, to Jabalpur, the judicial capital of the state, and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure. He expressed confidence that under Justice Kogje's leadership, the state would further strengthen its distinguished judicial traditions.
Jabalpur Is Known as Both Sanskardhani and Nyaydani: Minister Shri Singh
Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh said at the felicitation ceremony that Jabalpur is known not only as Sanskardhani but also as Nyaydani (the judicial capital). With the Madhya Pradesh High Court located here, the city has earned a distinct identity as the state's judicial capital. He said that the occasion was not merely a felicitation ceremony but also an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to justice. He added that dedication to justice and respect for constitutional values form the foundation of a strong democratic system.
Mutual Respect, Independence and Trust between the Bar and Bench are Foundation of Strong Judicial System: Chief Justice Shri Kogje
Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Justice Alpesh Yashwant Kogje, said that the Bar and the Bench are two important pillars of the administration of justice. Although their roles are distinct, their ultimate objective is to protect the Constitution, safeguard citizens' rights and ensure impartial justice without fear or favour. The relationship between the Bar and the Bench should be based on mutual respect, institutional independence, professional integrity and a shared commitment to the rule of law.
Justice Kogje said that differences of opinion may arise during judicial proceedings, but they should always be resolved through professional courtesy and a shared dedication to justice. Healthy relations between the Bar and the Bench play an important role in strengthening the judicial system. He said, appreciating the role of Advocate General Shri Prashant Singh, that all stakeholders must work together to make the justice delivery system more accessible, responsive and effective.
Justice Kogje expressed his gratitude for the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh, Justice Vivek Rusia, Justice Vivek Singh, Advocate General Shri Prashant Singh, office-bearers of the Bar Association, advocates and other distinguished guests.
Advocate General's Office is Like University for Advocates
The Chief Justice appreciated the role of the Advocate General's Office, describing it as an important pillar and stakeholder in the judicial system. He said that the responsibility of the Advocate General is not limited to representing the government's position but also includes playing an important role in strengthening coordination between the Bar and the Bench. He said that Advocate General Shri Prashant Singh is discharging this responsibility effectively. Describing the Advocate General's Office as being like a university, he said that it provides advocates with extensive experience and opportunities to learn. This not only enhances their professional capabilities but also prepares them to shoulder greater responsibilities in society. Recalling his own experience of working with the Advocate General's Office in his home state, he said that he too had benefited from this institutional framework.
Chief Justice Calls Upon Advocates to Shoulder Greater Responsibilities
Chief Justice Shri Kogje urged advocates to understand their professional responsibilities and uphold their role in society with dignity. Wishing them a bright future, he encouraged them to achieve their goals and earn respect through their work. He called upon everyone to respect their respective institutional responsibilities and work together to make the justice delivery system more accessible, accountable and effective.
Legal Profession Often Runs Through Generations of Families: Justice Vivek Rusia
Addressing the gathering, Justice Vivek Rusia shared his experience of practising law in Jabalpur and said that he had begun his legal career here before becoming a judge. He observed that the legal profession often runs through generations of families, with the second and third generations continuing the profession. He said this was a natural feature of the legal profession and its institutional framework.
Coordination between Judiciary and Legislature Essential for Impartial Justice to Citizens
Madhya Pradesh Advocate General Shri Prashant Singh said in his welcome address, that coordination between the judiciary and the legislature is essential to ensure that every citizen in the state has access to speedy and impartial justice. Such coordination can also help the state achieve new milestones in development and progress. He said that the leadership of both constitutional institutions plays an important role in establishing effective coordination between them.
During the felicitation ceremony, Madhya Pradesh High Court Advocates Association President and Senior Advocate Shri Mrigendra Singh, Madhya Pradesh High Court Advocate Bar Association President and Senior Advocate Shri Shashank Shekhar Singh, Senior Advocate Council President Shri Mohan Sharma, and Jabalpur District Bar Association President Shri Manish Mishra were also felicitated.
Justice Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, other High Court judges, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Sumitra Valmiki, Mayor Shri Jagat Bahadur Singh Annu, MP Shri Ashish Dubey, MLAs Shri Ashok Rohani, Shri Neeraj Singh, Dr. Abhilash Pandey and Shri Santosh Barkade, Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal, JDA Chairman Shri Sandeep Jain, JDA Vice-Chairman Shri Prashant Kesharwani, Municipal Corporation Council President Rinkunj Vij, Shri Akhilesh Jain, Shri Ratnesh Sonkar, Shri Rajkumar Patel, advocates and office-bearers of various Bar Associations were present on the occasion.
