Cuttack: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the Centre for Judicial Archives of the High Court of Orissa here in presence of Chief Justice of High Court, Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan.
Delivering the welcome address, Shri Majhi said that the Indian judiciary has brought laurels in the international sphere. He also expressed that the Centre will be a preserver of not only judicial records but also of culture. The State Government is committed to providing all assistance including financial, administrative and technological, Majhi said.
The Chief Minister said that today the blindfold has been removed from the eyes of Nyaya Devi. Today, the Goddess of Justice is holding the Constitution in one hand and the scales of justice in the other hand with open eyes, listening to both the parties and delivering justice according to the rules and regulations of the Constitution.
The Indian judicial system is unique in the world. For this, the whole country is proud today, he said.
The Chief Minister further said, “Today’s inauguration of this judicial archive will act as a repository of the rich heritage of our legal system. It will be a repository of legal history, historical cases and invaluable examples. It can perpetuate the legal landscape of Odisha and our country.”
The State Government is committed to the reform and improvement of the judiciary. The Government will continue to work towards strengthening the judicial infrastructure, implementing technology in the legal system and delivering justice to all, he added.
The Chief Minister said that the government is taking steps to increase the conviction rate in Odisha.
Chief Justice Shri Singh in his inaugural address by his erudite eloquence has epigrammatically expressed the significance of setting up the Centre for Judicial Archives, as many endangered important historic records of the Court failed to attract the attention of State Archives for their preservation.
The Archive is meant for care, conservation and consultation of the oldest records. The Archive is not a destination for the elite, rather it will be a place for the marginalized to know that facts of their importance have been preserved in this Centre.
He thanked the State for not only providing Rs 38 Crores for construction of the Centre but also for providing all kinds of assistance as and when sought for by the Court.
Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi, Judge, High Court of Orissa has thrown light on the strength of democracy which lies in the free and transparent flow of knowledge, preservation of information that holds institutions accountable and illuminates the path toward justice and equality.
Historical records serve as a bridge between eras, safeguarding cultural heritage, protecting identities, and ensuring accountability. They remind us of humanity’s resilience and capacity for growth.
“By valuing and preserving our past, we not only honor our origins but also equip ourselves to envision and create a brighter and a more informed future. These records not only document events but also provide the context and lessons needed to avoid 2 repeating mistakes,” Justice Shri Panigrahi said.