need to look into how courts have performed their duties in human rights cases: SC Judge

June 29, 2020

New Delhi: There was need to look into how the courts have performed their duties in human rights cases, Supreme Court Judge Justice S. Ravinder Bhat said here while underlining Independence of judiciary, and respect and protection of fundamental rights as two most important characteristics of the rule of law.

”Whether the great values enshrined in the Constitution of India are able to fulfil the requirement of rule of law is a matter of empirical study and we should look into how the courts have performed their duties in human rights cases,” Justice Bhat said.

His remarks came while addressing law students, teachers and others during the inaugural function of the 8th Jamia Millia Islamia(JMI) National Moot Court Competition-2020 (Online) hosted by the Faculty of Law from 25th to 27th June as part of the centenary celebrations of the university. Justice Bhat was the Chief Guest in the inaugural program.

“Independent judiciary, respect and protection of fundamental rights are two most important characteristics of rule of law, especially in a democratic polity like ours”, he said.

Justice Bhat called upon the participants in the moot court competition to develop fine legal skills like analytical ability, making good strategy, ability to appreciate opponent’s arguments and counter it with better arguments.

Emphasising that a lawyer has to be ready for something unexpected, either from a judge or his opponents, he stated that these challenges test the presence of mind and alertness of thoughts of the lawyers and judges.

He told the participants that by taking part in such moot court competitions they will become well-prepared for real life challenges. While focusing on the professional development of the young law students present in the event, Justice Bhat suggested that they must always preserve empathy for people who are poor, less privileged and uninformed no matter how successful they become in their professional life.

The competition received registration from as many as 150 law institutes from across the country. Following a rigorous assessment process top 24 teams competed in the oral rounds on 26th -27th June 2020.

In face of the adversities posed by the ongoing restrictions on movement and social gatherings, this competition was organised through the virtual platform of Google Meet.

Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari, Chairperson of Punjab State Human Rights Commission and former Chief Justice of Patna High Court, was the Guest of Honour in the e-Inaugural function held on 26th June,2020. The function was presided over by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Najma Akhtar.

The Moot Problem was based on the contemporary issues and challenges posed in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. After subjecting all the submitted memorials through a strict and rigorous assessment process, the top 24 teams were given a chance to present their oral arguments before the learned judges in virtual courtrooms.

In a closely contested final, Government Law College, Mumbai defeated NULAS, Kochi to emerge as the champions. Prof. B. T. Kaul, and Senior Advocates, Mr. Kirti Uppal, Mr. BrijBhushan Gupta and Mr. Tarique Siddiqui judged the final round. Among other award winners, Lloyd Law College won the Best Memorial Award, Mr. Avirup Mandal (GLC, Mumbai) won the Best Speaker (Male), Ms. Anoushka Gahilot(ILS Law College, Pune)won the Best Speaker (Female) and Mr. Mohd. Yousuf Ali (Aligarh Muslim University) was declared as the Best Researcher.

Justice Asha Menon, Judge, Delhi High Court and Prof. B. T. Kaul, Former Chairperson, Delhi Judicial Academy, attended the valedictory programme.

—India News Stream