Digitally releasing “Nurturing the Future of the Judiciary”, the Chief Justice of India likens constitutional courts to modern-day forts of democracy, stresses grassroots access to justice and the vital role of judicial training in a young High Court.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 22, 2026: The High Court of Chhattisgarh on Sunday hosted a dignified felicitation ceremony in honour of the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, during which he digitally released the 2026 e-souvenir of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy (CSJA), titled “Nurturing the Future of the Judiciary” .
The ceremony, held at Hotel Babylon Capital in Raipur, was attended by a distinguished gathering from the higher judiciary. Judges of the Supreme Court of India Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra graced the event as Guests of Honour, while Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court, attended as Special Guest. All Judges of the High Court of Chhattisgarh were present, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
The programme began with a formal welcome and felicitation of the dignitaries, following which the Chief Justice of India digitally unveiled the e-souvenir that chronicles the journey, growth and evolving vision of the CSJA. The publication captures the academy’s transformation from its formative years into a modern centre of judicial training aligned with constitutional values and technological advancement.
In his welcome address, Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha lauded the Chief Justice of India’s steadfast commitment to constitutional morality and judicial impartiality, describing his presence as a matter of pride and inspiration for the judiciary of Chhattisgarh. He said the e-souvenir is not merely a digital publication, but a living record of the State’s dedication to judicial education, institutional capacity-building and adaptation to the digital age. He also welcomed Justices Narasimha and Mishra, acknowledging their contributions to judicial excellence and noting Justice Mishra’s continued association with the Chhattisgarh High Court, which, he said, remains a source of inspiration for the Bench and the Bar.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant observed that the Chhattisgarh High Court, one of the youngest constitutional courts in the country, has rapidly expanded its institutional presence and responsibilities. Such growth, he said, reflects not hierarchy within the judiciary, but a spirit of fraternity within India’s constitutional family. Felicitation ceremonies, he remarked, are moments of collective pride that allow institutions to reflect, understand one another better and renew their shared commitment to constitutional ideals.
Drawing from the history and identity of the State, Justice Surya Kant described Chhattisgarh as a microcosm of India’s diversity. Referring to the traditional meaning of “Chhattisgarh” as the land of thirty-six forts, he noted that these forts symbolised centres of governance, administration and community life, sustained not only by physical strength but by the values they upheld. In the same vein, he said, constitutional courts are the modern forts of democracy—guarding rights, upholding constitutional limits on power and preserving public faith in justice.
Though young in years, the Chhattisgarh High Court has already carved out high standards and traditions, he said, stressing that every judge must act as an independent guardian of constitutional values—firm in principle, measured in conduct and unwavering in commitment to justice. At the same time, he cautioned against judicial isolation, asserting that courts must not become ivory towers. Their vision, he said, must extend to regions such as Bastar, Surguja and every district where citizens seek justice.
Highlighting the role of judicial education, the Chief Justice of India said a judicial academy is not merely a training centre but the crucible in which the future strength of the judiciary is forged. In a young High Court, institutions like the CSJA play a foundational role in embedding constitutional culture, ethical standards and institutional discipline at the earliest stages of a judge’s career.
Concluding his address, Justice Surya Kant acknowledged the geographical and infrastructural challenges faced by Chhattisgarh and emphasised that justice must never be denied because of distance or difficult terrain. By remaining institutionally present, accessible and responsive across the State, he said, the judiciary can ensure that justice reaches every citizen, regardless of geography .
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal, Judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court. The event was attended by judges of the High Court, Justice P. Sam Koshy of the Telangana High Court, senior law department officials, registry officers, members of the CSJA, judicial officers from Raipur district and staff of the Chhattisgarh High Court, marking a significant moment in the State’s judicial history .
