Address by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Honourable Vice President at 1st Justice J.M. Verma Memorial Lecture in Jabalpur on September 18, 2022.

Congratulations Hon'ble Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul for rendering the first Justice J.S. Verma Memorial lecture. His discourse reflects erudition and depth.
His Lordship has traversed all facets of Justice Verma's life, his lordship and contribution to Justice System.
Extremely humbled for the opportunity afforded for associating with this program. For me personally it is a moment to ever cherish 
Justice Verma was Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court during 1986 to 1989, while I happened to be the President of the Bar Association and also member of Bar Council.
His tenure was marked with judicial ecosystem upliftment, enhancing the transparency and accountability
While in Supreme Court, he rendered number of judgments that have wholesomely impacted society.
In his landmark judgment of Vishaka & Ors vs State Of Rajasthan & Ors, he judicially structured the mechanism for adequately providing for specific protection of women from sexual harassment in work places.
The judgment has another significant aspect of judicial jurisdiction sublimity that calls for focus.
In the judgment he reflected 
"These directions would be binding and enforceable in law until suitable legislation is enacted to occupy the field"
This is an instance of scrupulous adherence to doctrine of separation of power
Our Shastras say 'धर्मो रक्षति रक्षित:' -‘the law protects us if we preserve its sanctity'. This is ‘nectar’  of democracy and rule of law. There is widespread and well premised perception that this wholesome principle is contemporaneously under strain.
Adherence to constitutional prescriptions by all institutions is non compromising ordainment and inalienable facet of Doctrine of Separation of Powers.
Indisputably Democracy is best nurtured when all constitutional institutions are wholesomely in sync and confine to their respective domain.
Any transgressions, howsoever non invasive, subtle and well meaning by one in the domain of the other, has potential to upset the ‘apple cart’ of democratic governance. Stock taking on this aspect will invariably promotes accountability and transparency.
Recent unfortunate emergence of pernicious trend to target individual judges in public domain calls for exemplary containment. 
This is reprehensible and cannot be countenanced if rule of law has to have dominance.
Spinally strong, fair and independent Justice System is safest guarantee to blossoming and flourishing of democratic values.
Dignity of judges and respect for judiciary is inviolable as these are fundamentals of rule of law and constitutionalism.
All in the country need to realize that no one is above law.
People in authority and high positions need to take cognizance of this in larger public interest and to further and enhance democratic echo system. 
Some issues do call insightful stance. We are living in times where even well guarded 'secrets' are at best “open secrets”.
I would appeal to media to be in ultra cautionary mode while reporting about judiciary. 
In Bharat in view of constitutional ordainment spirit and essence all institutions need to appreciate and realise the primacy of the aspirations of people reflected through their representatives.
Late Justice Jagdish Sharan Verma will always be best remembered for path-breaking judgments and ideas that have empowered citizens and enabled the government to overhaul institutions for the larger welfare of the people. 
Once again wish to express deep gratitude to everyone for inviting me to this prestigious event. Justice JS Verma's life and thoughts will ever inspire and motivate us and coming generations.