In a significant development for Bihar's judicial landscape, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant arrived in Patna on Friday for his first visit to the state since assuming the office of the 53rd CJI on November 24 last year. The two-day visit is packed with ceremonies aimed at bolstering legal infrastructure and engaging with the future of the judiciary.
Boosting Patna High Court's Infrastructure
The centerpiece of the CJI's visit on Saturday was the foundation stone-laying and 'bhumi-pujan' ceremony for a massive infrastructure upgrade at the Patna High Court premises. The project, with a total estimated cost of Rs 302.56 crore, envisions the construction of several new buildings covering a built-up area of 46,675 square metres.
A law department official highlighted that this marks a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing administrative, judicial, and residential facilities. The new constructions will include:
- An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) building and auditorium.
- A new administrative block.
- A multi-level car parking facility.
- An IT building.
- A residential complex.
- An annexe building for the advocate general's office.
- A hospital.
Justice Surya Kant also virtually inaugurated the Judges’ Guest House in Gaya and attended the ground-breaking ceremony for the new campus of the Bihar Judicial Academy (BJA).
A Gathering of Legal Luminaries
The ceremonies were graced by a host of senior judges, reflecting the importance of the event. Supreme Court judges Justice Sanjay Karol, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Justice Rajesh Bindal were present. They were joined by Patna High Court's Acting Chief Justice Justice Sudhir Singh and several other companion judges.
This collective presence underscored the national focus on strengthening judicial infrastructure in eastern India to make the administration of justice more efficient and accessible.
Inspiring Future Legal Minds at CNLU Convocation
Beyond infrastructure, CJI Surya Kant engaged directly with the legal fraternity of tomorrow. He served as the chief guest at the annual convocation of Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) on Saturday, where he delivered the convocation address.
The event, presided over by CNLU Chancellor and Patna HC Acting Chief Justice Sudhir Singh, saw State Education Minister Sunil Kumar as the guest of honour. The Supreme Court judges attending the high court ceremony were also present here.
A total of 1,134 students received their degrees, comprising 34 PhDs, 339 postgraduates, and 761 undergraduates. Additionally, 76 students were awarded medals for academic excellence. The convocation also featured the inauguration of the newly built Ashoka Auditorium and CNLU's Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Centre.
CJI Surya Kant's maiden visit to Bihar post his appointment has thus been a multifaceted one, addressing both the physical foundations of the judiciary through grand infrastructure projects and its intellectual foundations by encouraging new graduates. The Rs 302 crore expansion of the Patna High Court stands as a concrete commitment to modernizing judicial facilities in the state.
