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.

President of India administered a pledge to the legal fraternity

President of India administered a pledge to the legal fraternity for free legal aid to victims of child labour On its Silver Jubilee celebrations on the 10th Nov 2006, The Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) stood up for the cause of children, literally. For the first time in its history, the President of the country administered a pledge to the legal fraternity that none of them would employ a child under the age of 14 years and s/he would provide immediate assistance to any child engaged in child labour. The DLSA has pledged to provide free legal assistance to take up the cases of victims of child labour, also the first time that any legal body has taken up the issue of child labour so closely. This idea was the brain child of Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) with whom DLSA would jointly organize legal training to law enforcement agencies. The event was jointly organized by DLSA and BBA. While the Honourable President, Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the chief guest of the function, also present were the Chief Justice of India, Shri Y.K.Sabharwal, who was the Guest of Honour, Dr. H.R. Bhardwaj, Union Minister for Law & Justice, Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Justice Vijender Jain, Chief Justice, Justice M.K.Sharma, Delhi High Court and Executive Chairman, DLSA presided over the function. Justice M.K.Sharma and Justice Virender Jain, in their welcome speech stated that for their auspicious silver jubilee celebrations, no theme could be more pertinent than children, the future citizens of India and the aid that DLSA could give to the victims of exploited child labourers. It was this idea that appealed to DLSA to work jointly with BBA in victim's legal assistance and in the training of law enforcement agencies. The Chief Justice of India appealed to the Judges, lawyers and students to take care of the millions of poor backward people of the country, so that the God will take care of the Nation. He said the purpose of organizing such functions is to motivate, sensitise and inspire all stake holders. The Minister for law and Justice, Dr. H. R. Bhardwaj said translating the mandate of Article 14 of the Constitution is a Herculean task as there is huge disparity in the country. Legal Aid to the poor taken up by Delhi Legal Services Authority is a commendable step as it can help achieve equality of status and opportunities. Speaking of the role of the civil society and NGOs in particular, he commended DLSA's move to work with the civil society on the issue of child labour. Former child labourers rescued by BBA and school children formed a human chain under the leadership of Chief Justice of India, Y.K.Sabharwal at India Gate.