Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud inaugurated the National Judicial Museum and Archive (NJMA) at the Supreme Court in New Delhi on Thursday, in a ceremony attended by several other Supreme Court judges. The newly unveiled museum aims to spotlight the role of judicial institutions in delivering justice and upholding citizens’ fundamental rights.
Speaking at the event, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the year-and-a-half-long process of conceptualizing the museum, which was completed in a record six months. Highlighting its global standards, he said, “We thought that we must have not just a museum of artifacts, but a museum comparable to the best internationally, to project the importance of our institution and the high courts in delivering justice to our citizens and in protecting the fundamental rights of our citizens.”
Justice Chandrachud commended the museum designers, who also developed the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and Teen Murti Bhawan. “The executors of this museum were already ahead of time. They had also designed the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya at the Teen Murti Bhawan, so they had all the experience of doing a modern museum of the highest international quality,” he stated, underscoring their expertise in bringing the project to fruition.
Describing the NJMA as an interactive space for the younger generation, Justice Chandrachud underscored its significance to the country. “This reflects the ethos of the Supreme Court and the importance of the court to the life of our nation. So on behalf of all my colleagues here, I have pleasure in dedicating this museum to the nation,” he declared.
Chief Justice Chandrachud, the 50th CJI of India, will retire on November 10. His successor, Justice Sanjeev Khanna, was confirmed by the central government in an October 24 notification.
