The role of a judge is to make sure that fundamental rights of the people are protected

The 2nd GL Sanghi Memorial Lecture was delivered by Hon’ble Justice AK Sikri on 1st September, 2018 at Nagpur. The event was presided over by Hon’ble Justice Sharad Bobde.

Hon’ble Justice Vipin Sanghi, Hon'ble Justice Bhushan Gavai, Hon'ble Justice Bhushan Dharmadhikari and Shri Mukul Rohatgi, Former Attorney General of India were among the Guests of Honor.

Here are some excerpts from the lecture.

·         The role of a law school is to make great lawyers.

·         The first role of a judge is to uphold the constitution and the rules of the law. His second role is to bridge the gap between the law and the society. His third role is, in view of globalization, to connect the law with economics in decision-making process and to be a person who contributes to the economic progress of the nation.

·         Rule of the law is the basic feature of the constitution and a judge is its guardian.

·         A judge must see that

o The democratic principles are followed by the government in power

o There is good governance

o Fundamental rights of the people are protected

o The centre-state relationship is respected

o Rights of the marginalized section of society and their dignity are translated into reality

The courts can

o Create law in enforcing the public rights (Vishakha case). These are "hard cases". A judge must make them by applying constitutional norms.

o Enforce public rights (child labor)

o Appropriately interpret the rights of the people or can broaden the scope of such norms by interpretative process

All the above principles are true for the medical profession also.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

Vice President CMAAO

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Immediate Past National President IMA