Interpretation of Constitution has to be pragmatic: CJI
Mumbai (PTI): Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has said the interpretation of law or the Constitution has to be "pragmatic" and in a way that suits the needs of society.
Speaking at a felicitation organised for him by the Bombay High Court here on Saturday, he also said he recently received complaints about the rude behaviour of "some of the colleagues", and urged judges to protect the institution's reputation.
Citing a past Supreme Court judgement, CJI Gavai said any law or the Constitution has to be interpreted in the context of "problems faced by the present generation."
"The interpretation has to be pragmatic. It has to be one that suits the needs of society," he added.
Judges are expected to work as per their conscience, the oath of office and law, but "should never be perturbed once the matter is decided," he said.
A judge should cut off his mind from the matter and forget what happens to it thereafter, he said.
Talking about the appointment of judges, the CJI asserted that "at no cost the independence of judiciary shall be compromised".
While making appointments either to the Supreme Court or high courts, the collegium ensures merit is maintained while there is diversity and inclusiveness, he said.
CJI Gavai complimented the Bombay High Court -- where he once practised as a lawyer and served as a judge -- for its work, and said he feels proud when people appreciate its judgements.
He also said that lately he has been "receiving a lot of complaints about the rude behaviour of some of the colleagues."
"Being a judge is not a 10 to 5 job, it's an opportunity to serve the society. It is an opportunity to serve the nation," he stressed, and urged the judges to be "true to their oath and commitment."
"Please do not do anything which brings disrepute to this august institution, whose reputation has been so laboriously built by the devotion and dedication of generations of lawyers and generations of judges," he said.
Speaking at another felicitation ceremony later on Saturday evening, the CJI said the Constitution works for every last citizen of the country, be it a judge, lawyer, an executive or a parliamentarian.
"Let us dedicate our lives to the eradication of all differences, let us give it ourselves to upholding constitutional values, let us give it ourselves towards the fulfilment of our constitutional promises," he added.
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Chlorine gas leaks at defunct water purification plant in Pune; 24 persons hospitalised
Pune, Apr 30 (PTI): At least 22 residents and two firemen were hospitalised after a chlorine gas leakage at Kondhwa in Pune after midnight on Thursday, fire officials said.
The leak originated from an abandoned tank containing chlorine at a defunct water purification plant godown in the Gangadham area around 1 am, they said.
"Following the leak and the subsequent spread of gas, residents in the vicinity complained of breathlessness. Upon receiving the call, fire teams were dispatched. Several citizens were evacuated, and the leaking tank was patched using safety equipment," a fire official said.
During the operation, 22 residents and two fire personnel complained of breathlessness and were rushed to the hospital, he said.
A man who previously operated the water purification plant at the site said he had dismantled the unit, but the tank containing chlorine appeared to have remained unattended and developed a leak.
"All the affected residents and the two fire personnel are out of danger and currently under observation at Sassoon General Hospital," the official said.
