Chennai: Advocates of the Madras high court on Monday accorded a warm welcome to Chief Justice V.K. Tahilramani, who was sworn into office on Sunday. Among others, office-bearers of various Bar Associations, Madras Bar Association, Madras high courts Advocates Association (MHAA), Women Lawyers Association (WLA) and Lawyers Association, welcomed the new Chief Justice at a function held in the campus.
Addressing the gathering, Advocate General Vijay Narayan, said that the Madras high court had been blessed twice in quick succession with the appointment of women at its helm, following previous Chief Justice Indira Banerjee’s elevation to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Tahilramani is the second senior-most judge among High Court judges across the country, and the third woman Chief Justice to take charge of the Madras high court.
MHAA president, G. Mohanakrishnan, said that the appointment of the new Chief Justice signifies that the steps of the judiciary are equal. Chief Justice Tahilramani commenced her address with ‘Annaivarukkam vanakkam’. She said she was privileged to become a part of the prestigious Madras high court. The glorious history, customs, conventions and lofty traditions and a galaxy of great judges and reputed lawyers of eminence, have combined to confer upon the high court of Madras a unique eminent status.
Later, addressing a gathering at the Madras Bar Association, Chief Justice VK Tahilramani, said, “From the overwhelming reception I have received from you all, I am assured of abundance of cooperation from you, and on my behalf, I assure you all that I will discharge my duties with all sincerity and earnestness, understanding the problems of the Bar, as also the problems and miseries of the citizens.”
She said lawyers and judges are part of a family — one fraternity — united with the sole aim of dispensing justice and serving the society. The Bench is a branch of the Bar, and together they constitute the justice system. Neither the Bench alone nor the Bar by itself can secure justice to the people.
Every practicing advocate must realise the nature of the functions he is expected to perform - that he is something more than the fuel in the engine of law. The legal profession and the law are therefore necessary for a well-ordered society. Independence and fearlessness are two very important pillars on the strength of which the existence of an effective bar depends, she added.
