Valedictory Ceremony on celebration of 75th year of High Court of Orissa

Cuttack:On 26th July, 2023 the High Court of Orissa achieved a milestone as it completed 75th year of its existence. Since 26th July, 2022 series of functions were held by the High Court to acknowledge the contributions of the various sections in building the institution. On completion of the 75th year, a Valedictory Ceremony was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Cuttack. The function was graced by Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of India as the Chief Guest. Professor Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha and Mr. Jagannath Saraka, Minister of Law, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, Government of Odisha attended the function as the Guests of Honour. Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar, Chief Justice, High Court of Orissa, Justice Subhasis Talapatra, Judge, High Court of Orissa, Mr. Ashok Kumar Parija, Advocate General of Odisha and Mr. Dharanidhar Nayak, President,High Court Bar Association were present in the function. Among others, the sitting and former Judges of the High Court, Senior Advocates, office bearers and members of the High Court Bar Association, officers of Postal Department and the State Government also attended the function. A Souvenir of the High Court of Orissa containing messages of the President of India, the Prime Minister of India and various high dignitaries along with articles of legal luminaries and judicial officers on topics of law in general and the institution in particular was released in the function. A Commemorative Postage Stamp featuring the image of the High Court of Orissa was also released on the occasion. High Court of Orissa said to be the ninth High Court in the country for which a Commemorative Postage Stamp has been released by the Postal Department. Odisha became a separate state on 1st of April 1936. However, the administration of justice in the state continued to remain under the control of Patna High Court which was having its periodical circuit sittings at Cuttack since 1916. Finally, after 32 years of the first circuit sitting, this High Court was established in on 26th July, 1948, exactly 75 years ago. The High Court started with less than 2,000 cases and four judges in 1948 and after 75 years it has pendency of about 1,46,000 cases with sanctioned strength of 33 and working strength of 21 judges. Rapid social and economic changes have greatly contributed to this rise in pendency. This also reflects the hopes and trust of the citizens on this institution. Delivering the welcome address in the function the Chief Justice Dr. S. Muralidhar said, in the evolution and growth of the High Court of Orissa, many of its stalwart Judges and lawyers have played a significant role. He traced the High Court’s History from 1916 when the Circuit Bench of the High Court of Patna began holding its sittings in Cuttack and highlighted the initiatives taken by the High Court in recent years in adaptation of technology to improve access to justice. Speaking about modernization of offices and introduction of Odisha Judicial Workflow Automation System in the High Court, opening of  Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre s and virtual courts of the High Courts in districts, introduction of paperless courts, e-filing, provision of e-libraries for district court lawyers etc, the Chief Justice said that through all these measures the judiciary in Odisha is witnessing a transformation in a positive way and creating a working atmosphere that incentivizes higher productivity of the Judges and staff both in the High Court and district court. He thanked the cooperation of the State Government in providing infrastructure and finance and also mentioned about Judicial Infrastructure Management Agency created by the State Government which is first of its kind in the country. The Chief Justice expressed hope that the coming generation of judges and lawyers would remain committed to carrying forward the constitutional vision of delivering fare and equal justice to the people of Odisha. The Chief Justice assured the President of India that the High Court would make every effort to reduce the waiting time of litigants, especially the poor and the vulnerable one in court for justice. The Minister of Law, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, Mr. Jagannath Saraka said that the High Court of Orissa has given important contribution in delivery of justice and the people have been immensely benefited by this institution. He said providing access to the system for the poor and marginalized people should be the prime goal for all working under the constitutional framework. He praised the initiatives of the High Court of Orissa to adapt technology in justice delivery system. Governor of Odisha Professor Ganeshi Lal said all the doctrines enshrined in scriptures and all the rules and regulations formulated by the civilized countries are meant to maintain balance. He said, the rule of law holds a society and this rule of law becomes a teasing illusion if it is not accessible the people at large. Calling the judiciary as the conscience keeper, the Governor lauded the role of judiciary in enforcing the rule of law. Speaking on the occasion, the President of India highlighted the historical importance of Cuttack and its contribution in formation of the Odisha state as well as in freedom struggle. She congratulated the Chief Justice, Judges and all others associated with the High Court on completion of 75 years of the High Court and lauded the dedication of the Bar and Bench in bringing fame to the institution. The President of India appreciated the efforts of Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar and the Judges of the High Court of Orissa in reducing the pendency of cases by one-fourth in a period of two years. She said that any institution which does not change with time, lags behind, and that the endeavors of High Court of Orissa to incorporate the technological environments in justice delivery system are praiseworthy. She paid tribute to the legal luminaries of Odisha who greatly contributed to legal service at national level. The President of India urged the persons in legal profession to work towards expeditious trial and quick justice in the interest of innocents languishing in jail in trivial charges. Referring to her earlier speeches on the plight of under trial prisoners, the President said that she had come across instances of people incarcerated for periods longer than the punishment stipulated for the crime of which they were accused, and expressed concern. She added, due to the delay in judicial process, innocent persons lose their prime period of life and the victims lose the hope of seeing the guilty facing the legal consequences. The President exhorted the Bar and
Bench associated with the High Court of Orissa to work towards speedy dispensation of justice setting example for the entire country. The President reminded the gathering of judges and lawyers about the constitutional obligation to ensure access to justice for the marginalized and deprived classes of society and said that free legal aid is a significant step taken in that direction. Highlighting the importance of nature the President urged the legislature, executive and judiciary to prioritize the issues relating to environment and conservation of wild life. The President urged the legal fraternity to remain conscious about the Gandhi’s Talisman and keep thinking about the poorest people while delivering justice. Presenting the vote of thanks Justice Subhasis Talapatra said that with the valedictory ceremony the High Court has crossed milestone of 75 years and it is also a beginning of further journey of the future. He said the High Court is of all the people of Odisha and it requires nourishment of all its stakeholders. He informed the President of India about the legal aid works happening in the state with special mention about the jail clinics and free legal aid for prisoners. Thanking the President of India for attending the function as the Chief Guest, Justice Talapatra said she is an inspiration for
millions of underprivileged people of the remote corners of the country.