In a significant address, Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha redefined the core mission of family courts, stating they extend far beyond simple dispute resolution. He emphasized their pivotal role in mending relationships and safeguarding the emotional well-being of families.
Virtual Inauguration of State-Level Meeting
The Chief Justice made these remarks on Sunday while inaugurating a state-level meeting virtually. The event was organized for judges presiding over family courts, counsellors, representatives from social welfare agencies, and other concerned officials. The gathering was held in Raipur, underscoring the state judiciary's focus on strengthening this sensitive branch of the legal system.
Safeguarding the Fundamental Unit of Society
Justice Sinha placed the family at the center of his discourse, describing it as the most sensitive and fundamental unit of society. He stressed that the primary objective of family courts must be the protection and preservation of this vital institution. According to him, the courts' function is not merely adjudicatory but also profoundly rehabilitative and conciliatory.
The Chief Justice elaborated that these specialized courts play a critical part in encouraging reunion between estranged family members wherever possible. He highlighted their responsibility in helping to mitigate the deep emotional trauma that often accompanies familial discord, such as divorce or separation cases. This perspective shifts the focus from a purely legal outcome to a more holistic, human-centric resolution.
A Broader Mandate for Family Courts
By outlining this broader mandate, Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha called for a more empathetic and proactive approach from all stakeholders involved in the family court process. This includes judges, counsellors, and social workers who are on the front lines of dealing with personal crises. The virtual meeting served as a platform to align their efforts towards the common goals of reconciliation and emotional protection.
The address is expected to influence the functioning and orientation of family courts across Chhattisgarh, reinforcing their role as institutions of healing rather than just venues for legal battles. It underscores the judiciary's recognition of the complex human emotions intertwined with legal disputes within families.
