Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 8: Former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Chairperson of Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) Justice Gita Mittal has said that Judgeship is a mission which is required to be discharged impartially with dedication and honesty.
She stated this in the acceptance speech for Arline Pacht Global Vision Award for 2021 by the International Association for Women Judges at its Biennial Conference, Auckland (New Zealand) held through virtual mode.
“An Award is something least expected when you take the oath of office as a Judge. Judgeship is a mission, a way of life which you impartially discharge with dedication and honesty. If you are successful in ensuring justice, securing inclusion, equality and liberty to even a few marginalised in the community, it really feels as if your entire purpose in life stands achieved”, she said.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the IAWJ for the recognition accorded to my work and the honour which has been bestowed on me”, she further said, adding “I came to IAWJ in 2006 as a Judge of around two years vintage, inexperienced and still nervous about the responsibilities attached to the office. My instant exposure to the best and lasting friendships across the globe as well as the incredible work visionary Judges were doing, so many in regions of extreme deprivation, often in situations of violence, inspired me to join them in the efforts worldwide to create an egalitarian society, one where all living beings have a sense of justice, fulfilment and peace”.
“Through IAWJ, I found role models. I found women I admired, I found women who offered me unconditional support and love”, Justice Gita Mittal said, adding “while the trinity of Justice, Equality and Liberty knows of no statutory definition, it is, regardless, of seminal importance universally. Securing these as basic and inalienable rights by judicial and administrative decisions has been my single minded mission for these sixteen plus years on the Bench”.
“The faith instilled at the Association led me to undertake path-breaking judicial initiatives and interventions in matters of detail but with widespread impact. Procedural and educational initiatives enabled creation of safe spaces in courts for those who were reaching it to share the most horrific experiences of their lives”, she further said, adding “I was able to identify opportunities for change and introduce systemic changes which have endured after I left the concerned court several years ago”.
“Let your pens speak up for rights, do not compromise with subjugation, with discrimination, with violence of any genre or hue. Let each of you be celebrated for your impartiality, your commitment, your honesty, your humility, your hard work and your fairness”, she told the IAWJ members.
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