Amid recent heatwaves and heavy rainfall in Delhi, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud underscored the urgent need to address climate change on Tuesday.
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for trial court buildings in Karkardooma, Shastri Park, and Rohini, the CJI highlighted the significance of embracing a “green lifestyle” to reduce carbon emissions.
“This year, Delhi has recorded its hottest weather. We have endured two heatwaves followed by unprecedented rainfall in a single day. Our infrastructure must reflect the reality we face climate change can no longer be ignored,” the CJI remarked.
“A crucial measure is to integrate a green lifestyle into our daily routines, which includes cutting down on carbon emissions. I am pleased that the new buildings will focus on mitigating heat islands and minimizing their environmental footprint,” he added.
The Chief Justice of India also referenced an 18th-century case involving Rama Kamati’s servant, who was subjected to custodial torture to force a confession about his employer’s criminal activities. Kamati himself was convicted and later died in prison.
“Our legal and constitutional system is fundamentally based on the virtues of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Courts are the guardians of these essential virtues. We uphold them by enforcing rights-based substantive laws and fairness-based procedural laws,” the CJI concluded, noting that it was eventually revealed that the evidence against the convict had been fabricated.
