Chhattisgarh News: Chief Justice of India Digitally Launches E-Souvenir Nurturing the Future of the Judiciary in Raipur

The Raipur ceremony honoured the Chief Justice of India, with Supreme Court Justices present, as the E-Souvenir 2026 from the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy was digitally released. The publication highlights the academy’s journey, judicial training, and the drive to extend constitutional values and access to justice across Chhattisgarh.

The High Court of Chhattisgarh organised a dignified felicitation ceremony on Saturday at Hotel Babylon Capital, Raipur, in honour of the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant.

The ceremony was graced by P. S. Narasimha and Prashant Kumar Mishra, Judges of the Supreme Court of India, as Guests of Honour. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court, attended as Special Guest. All Judges of the High Court of Chhattisgarh were present on the occasion. During the programme, the Chief Justice of India digitally released the E-Souvenir 2026 of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy titled "Nurturing the Future of the Judiciary."

In his welcome address, Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha extended a warm welcome to the Chief Justice of India and highlighted his deep commitment to constitutional values and judicial impartiality. He stated that the E-Souvenir chronicles the transformative journey of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy—from its humble beginnings to becoming a centre for modern legal training.

He described the publication as more than a digital document, calling it a testament to judicial education, infrastructural evolution, and adaptation to the digital age. He also acknowledged the presence of Justices P. S. Narasimha and Prashant Kumar Mishra, noting that Justice Mishra’s association with the High Court continues to inspire the Bench and Bar.

Constitutional Courts as Modern Forts of Democracy

Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that the Chhattisgarh High Court, though one of the youngest constitutional institutions in the Republic, has steadily strengthened its institutional presence. He described such honours as moments of collective pride and reflection within the constitutional family. Referring to the historical significance of Chhattisgarh as the "land of thirty-six forts," he symbolically compared constitutional courts to modern forts of democracy. These courts, he said, guard not territory but rights, and not physical boundaries but constitutional limits on power.

He emphasised that each judge must stand firm in principle, measured in conduct, and steadfast in protecting constitutional values. At the same time, courts must not function as ivory towers; their reach must extend to Bastar, Surguja, and every district where justice is sought.

Strengthening Judicial Training

The Chief Justice of India underscored that a Judicial Academy is not merely a training institution but a foundation where the future strength of the judiciary is shaped. Particularly for a young High Court, the Academy plays a vital role in embedding constitutional values and institutional culture at the earliest stage. He also acknowledged the geographical and infrastructural challenges faced by the state and stressed that justice must not be denied due to distance or terrain. By ensuring institutional presence across all regions, the judiciary can make justice accessible to every citizen.

The programme began with a welcome address by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court. Judges of the High Court, Justice P. Sam Koshy of the Telangana High Court, senior officials of the Registry, officers of the Judicial Academy, district judicial officers, and staff members were present at the event.