Date:15/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/15/stories/2006111518381500.htm

National

Not infallible, but apex court is final: Sabharwal

Legal Correspondent

Tells them why the Supreme Court is supreme

Y.K. Sabharwal

NEW DELHI : On the occasion of Children's Day on Tuesday, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Y.K. Sabharwal faced a volley of questions from students ranging from the importance of the apex court and the future role of children in the country.

It was an enchanting experience for the 50-odd children from different schools in the capital. The interaction, the first of its kind in the annals of the Supreme Court since its inception, marked the beginning of the "National Child Rights Week."

The open house, organised by the National Legal Services Authority, started with a student asking the CJI "why the Supreme Court is supreme."

Watched by 21 other companion Judges, he said: "Because it is final, not necessarily because it is right. Every human being and every institution has limitations. No institution is infallible but since we are final we are called supreme."

Future of the nation

Asked what role children could play in the protection of their rights, he said: "You are the future of this nation. Today's programme is dedicated particularly to those who are under privileged and those who are not in the National Capital territory of Delhi and particularly those who are disabled and the girl child also. All of them expect you to build the nation. That is our confidence and we are certain you will do that."

Asked to define access to justice system and whether he believed there was equality in access, Mr. Sabharwal said: "Equality is the heart of the Constitution. Access to justice will come by spreading awareness, both about the rights and the remedies. Various organisations are doing their best to make justice available to all. It has to be accessible to all."