Supreme Court Judge & Union Law Minister Grace Valedictory Ceremony
CHANDIGARH: A momentous occasion unfolded on April 9, 2025, at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy as 137 trainee Judicial Officers of the State of Punjab, belonging to the 2024-25 batch, marked the successful culmination of their year-long residential Induction Training Programme.
Valedictory Ceremony of Induction Training Programme for PCS (JB) Officers (2024-25 Batch)
The valedictory ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of Law and Justice, as the Guest of Honour.
The event was held in the distinguished presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Patron-in-Chief, Chandigarh Judicial Academy; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, President, Board of Governors, Chandigarh Judicial Academy; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil Kshetarpal, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vinod Bhardwaj, Members, Board of Governors, Chandigarh Judicial Academy.
The ceremony was also attended by other Hon’ble Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, who graced the occasion with their presence and extended their blessings to the trainee officers as they embark upon their journey in judicial service.
The batch being felicitated today marks the 13th cohort of PCS (JB) officers to complete their one-year induction training program. Notably, it was the largest intake to date, with a total of 150 trainee officers—107 female officers and 43 male officers. Of these, 137 officers—96 female officers and 41 male officers—successfully completed their training and are being awarded their completion certificates today. The remaining officers had joined the training program at a later stage and, therefore, they will be awarded certificates upon successful completion of the requisite training period.
The newly appointed PCS (Judicial Branch) Officers have successfully completed a comprehensive one-year induction training programme at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy. Spanning 52 weeks, the meticulously structured training was designed to equip the officers with essential judicial knowledge, practical skills, and institutional exposure.
The programme included 26 weeks of institutional training, a one-week field visit to key institutions such as police stations and de-addiction centres, and three weeks of police training at Madhubhan to enhance inter-agency coordination. Officers also underwent 16 weeks of court attachment at their respective postings, a one-week Village Immersion Programme for grassroots understanding, and a two-week Bharat Darshan study tour—covering Karnataka and Kerala—to broaden their perspective on regional legal and administrative systems.
Additionally, the officers received specialized training in Accounts from experts at the Office of the Accountant General (A&E), Punjab & U.T. A key highlight of the programme was the attachment with Hon’ble Judges of the High Court, offering firsthand exposure to judicial proceedings and decision-making. The training schedule also included designated summer and winter breaks, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching induction experience.
The program commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and President, Board of Governors, Chandigarh Judicial Academy. His Lordship highlighted the exemplary contributions of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, to the administration of justice. He referred to Justice Bindal’s notable role in resolving the Satluj-Yamuna Water Dispute and his instrumental efforts in formulating comprehensive guidelines on maintenance laws. As the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Bindal was credited for extensively integrating technology to address challenges in judicial administration, particularly at the district and grassroots levels. His landmark judgments in Aditi alias Mithi vs. Jitesh Sharma and Child in Conflict with Law through his Mother vs. The State of Karnataka have significantly shaped legal discourse on family welfare and juvenile justice. His longstanding association with the Chandigarh Judicial Academy, both as a dedicated Member and later as President of the Board of Governors, was gratefully acknowledged.
Justice Sharma also paid tribute to Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, for his distinguished record of public service. From humble beginnings in a village in Bikaner, Shri Meghwal rose through the administrative ranks, becoming an IAS officer and later a four-term Member of Parliament. His exemplary service across various ministerial portfolios—Finance, Corporate Affairs, Heavy Industries, and Law and Justice—reflects his unwavering commitment to public welfare. Recognized nationally as the Best Parliamentarian, Shri Meghwal continues to be a respected and inspirational figure in Indian public life.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu was praised for his proactive role as Patron-in-Chief of the Academy. His regular involvement, feedback, and visionary leadership have led to substantial curricular enhancements and infrastructural developments.
A special mention was made of the Academy’s largest-ever batch of 150 trainee judicial officers, including 107 women, of which 137 officers have successfully completed their training. It was also announced that the Academy will soon inaugurate a crèche and an on-campus dispensary to support the well-being of officers, faculty, and staff.
The Valedictory Function concluded with heartfelt thanks to all dignitaries, senior members of the judiciary, and guests for their presence and encouragement.
Following this, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, delivered his address. Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, in his inspiring address, congratulated the trainee judicial officers on the successful completion of their induction training. His Lordship emphasized that the role of a judge is not merely a professional duty but a moral commitment to society—one that demands integrity, fairness, and unwavering dedication to justice. His Lordship reminded the young officers that while the training provided them with tools and legal knowledge, the true essence of judicial service lies in continuous learning, empathy, and understanding the human dimension of each case.
Importantly, His Lordship urged the officers to treat every case file with utmost seriousness—remarking that “every file is the life of a litigant, filled with hope, expectation, and the desire for justice.” Judicial officers were advised to remember that behind every matter lies a person’s story, and the courtroom must always be a place of dignity, fairness, and compassion.
Gratitude was expressed to the faculty and subject experts who played a vital role in shaping the minds and approach of the new judges during their time at the Academy. His Lordship also stressed the value of collegiality and the importance of supporting each other as part of a united judicial system.
The ceremony concluded on a note of hope and confidence, with a heartfelt message that the newly inducted judges would serve as beacons of justice in the State of Punjab, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is not merely a concept, but a lived reality for every citizen.
Sh. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of Law and Justice, Government of India, In his speech that blended wit, storytelling, and valuable insights, the Hon’ble Minister captivated the audience with a series of real-life and dramatized anecdotes that carried profound lessons on judicial integrity, presence of mind, cultural sensitivity, and administrative prudence.
One particularly memorable anecdote revolved around a Japanese national, a gramophone, and the playing of Japan’s national anthem. With keen narrative skill, Shri Meghwal used this culturally nuanced story to highlight how respect for national symbols and observant thinking can become decisive factors in legal interpretation. The anecdote was humorous on the surface but layered with reflections on how judges must often go beyond the text of the law to understand human behavior and social context.
Another powerful story narrated by the Minister involved a young judicial officer from Rajasthan navigating bureaucratic challenges to secure official accommodation. With tongue-in-cheek satire, he narrated how the officer’s request for a mere “two rupees” for public utility improvements was met with administrative apathy—until the suggestion to auction the Collector’s car became a symbolic push against red tape. This highlighted the role of judicial innovation and creative reasoning in overcoming systemic stagnation.
Throughout his address, Shri Meghwal engaged the audience with spontaneous humor and relatable commentary. His words resonated especially with the newly inducted judicial officers, whom he encouraged to embrace ethical conduct, compassion, and cultural awareness, alongside their legal acumen.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India. His Lordship emphasized that while many people come to court to give evidence—police officers, doctors, and others—the most important person in the courtroom is the litigant, because the judiciary exists for them.
His Lordship remarked that litigants observe the court proceedings closely. Even when the court is in a hurry, litigants notice everything—judges’ demeanor, gestures, and conduct. These impressions shape their perception of justice. Therefore, it is vital to remember that the litigant is central to the judicial system.
Highlighting the vastness of judicial work, Hon’ble Justice Bindal likened it to an ocean. The law is ever-expanding, and continuous learning is essential. He encouraged officers to learn from advocates—both seniors and juniors—whose arguments often impart valuable insights. Many judges, he observed, have learned more in the courtroom than from textbooks.
His Lordship underscored the importance of court staff and the judicial fraternity. Once appointed, a judge is no longer an individual, but part of a larger judicial family. In a country of 140 crore people, there are only about 20, 000 judges—entrusted with over 5.2 crore pending cases. Considering that each case can affect multiple individuals, the judiciary directly impacts the lives of crores of people. This reflects the scale of responsibility borne by every judicial officer.
His Lordship cautioned against publicly criticizing the judicial system. If any deficiency exists, it should be addressed internally—through meetings, training sessions, and constructive dialogue. Public criticism, he warned, undermines public confidence. Despite the system's achievements—such as disposing nearly 2.25 crore cases annually—public perception often focuses only on pendency due to lack of awareness.
Justice Bindal noted a significant shift: whereas it was once believed that 80% of cases were at the trial level, now 85–86% of litigation remains uncontested and ends at the lower court level. This makes the role of trial courts even more crucial, as the litigant’s primary experience of justice is at this stage. Often, this experience is shaped without direct interaction with the judge, making the judge’s demeanor, patience, and conduct all the more significant.
His Lordship reminded the officers that while court duty lasts for six hours a day, a judge is observed 24x7. In public spaces too, a judge’s conduct reflects on the institution. With increasing transparency through IT and data, judicial accountability is now more visible than ever.
He advised officers to maintain calmness, composure, and independence on the bench, undisturbed by emotions or external pressures like social media. Citing the Shukraniti (System of Morals by Shukracharya), he cautioned judges against five dangers:
Rāga – leaning toward a party,
Lobha – greed,
Bhaya – fear,
Sneha – affection, and
Gupta Milan – private meetings with parties.
He emphasized that any hint of bias, favoritism, or improper communication must be avoided. If in doubt, one must recuse. Integrity is non-negotiable.
Speaking of the value of judicial time, His Lordship observed that if a judge works six hours a day for approximately 230 days a year, considering the infrastructure and personnel involved, the annual judicial value may be ₹1.5 crore. Therefore, every minute in court is precious and must not be wasted.
He reiterated that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. A judge’s presence in court is not merely procedural; it symbolizes justice itself. Hence, punctuality and presence are vital.
Urging officers to stay updated, His Lordship highlighted the importance of academic resources—newsletters, study materials, and continuous legal education. Whether newly appointed or experienced, every judge must remain a lifelong student of the law.
Quoting Napoleon, His Lordship said, “The sword and the pen are both powerful, but the pen is more powerful.” And today, every judge holds the pen of justice. It must be used with wisdom, attention, and integrity.
In conclusion, Hon’ble Justice Bindal noted that although these are challenging times for the judiciary, the future rests in safe hands. He called upon all judicial officers to carry forward their responsibilities with strength, compassion, and dignity.
Following the inspirational addresses, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vinod Bhardwaj, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Member Board of Governors, Chandigarh Judicial Academy delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty and staff for their invaluable contributions to the success of the program.