The Chief Justice of India N V Ramana Sunday expressed concern on the current state of affairs in the parliament and said, it is a sorry state as the absence of quality debate leaves many aspects of legislator unclear and increases the burden on courts. 

Ramana further added that an efficient and elaborate discussion during the law-making process reduces the burden on litigation as when courts interpret legislation,

“Most of the members of first Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were all lawyers and members from the legal fraternity. Unfortunately, we know what is happening now in the Parliament with respect to debates on laws,” CJI Ramana said.

He recalled that there was a time when there used to be debates in the parliament about the new laws and how it would affect people,

“Long ago, I have seen a debate during the introduction of the Industrial Disputes Act and a member from Tamil Nadu used to discuss the law so elaborately as to how the law will affect the working class. It used to reduce the burden on the courts, as when the courts interpreted the law, we all knew the intent of the legislature,” the Chief Justice said.

Ramana also added that there is a lot of ambiguity and gaps in the process due of law-making due to a lack of debates and discussion.

The CJI made the statements while delivering a speech at an event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association on the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day. He also urged the legal fraternity professionals to take part in public life and share inputs about the laws.

Talking about the role of law professionals in India’s freedom movement and said that the country’s freedom struggle was led by lawyers like Mahatma Gandhi and Babu Rajendra Prasad.

 “Whether it is Mahatma Gandhi or Babu Rajendra Prasad, they were legal luminaries, who sacrificed their property, family and life and led the movement, said Ramana.

He said there used to be debates in Parliament on various constitutional amendments and how they will affect the people.s

The Monsoon session of parliament was short-terminated last week following days of relentless protest by the Opposition over the Pegasus snooping row, farm laws, price rise and other issues.

The CJI told the lawyers, “Don’t confine yourself to your profession, earning money and living comfortably. Please think over it. We should actively participate in public life, do some good service and share the experience with the country. Hopefully, goodness will come out of it in the country.” The CJI added the Supreme Court has played an active role in the country and has given more than what the Constitution has thought of, but he expects the legal fraternity to contribute more.

Supreme Court Judges AM Khanwilkar and V Ramasubramanian were also present on the occasion alongside several lawyers and members of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was also present on the occasion, said the Chief Justice of India is the ‘karta’ (guardian) of the Indian legal family and thus he does not wish to say anything more.

“India is a young democracy and when we look around the neighbouring countries and they call themselves democracy and we all know how they have failed. In contrast, we have been able to sustain it the way it was envisioned by the framers of our Constitution,” Mehta said. The Chief Justice of India unfurled the national flag after which the national anthem was played by a police band.

Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh welcomed the guests and said that it is a historic day as the country is celebrating its 75th Independence Day. He thanked the Chief Justice and other judges for gracing the occasion