Role reversal: CJI answers children's queries

A Vaidyanathan/Aradhana SharmaTuesday, November 14, 2006 (New Delhi):

The Supreme Court threw open its doors to schoolchildren from around the country on the occasion of Children's Day. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) and several other supreme court judges answered questions posed to them by the children at a special session.The CJI said that like every institution, the apex court is fallible and that its decisions may not always be right. But the court is Supreme as its decisions are final.Not only did these judges come face to face with children, the CJI also decided to answer some questions they had. The first one: why is the Supreme Court called Supreme?"SC is supreme because its final. Not necessarily right; no institution is infallible," said Y K Sabharwal, CJI.The session organised by the National Legal Services Authority was aimed at creating awareness on child rights.Wide ranging questionsThe CJI answered questions ranging from child labour to violence against children and their access to justice. He was satisfied with the event."It was a good session and will help in educating the children and increasing their awareness level," said Y K Sabharwal, CJI.But there were others who would have liked more contemporary and controversial issues answered."In the role of the judiciary versus the executive, when do we say that the line is being crossed?" said Harkeerat, student.It was a once in a lifetime experience for these children and though all their questions may not have been answered, this short session was definitely a good beginning towards spreading judicial awareness.