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Important to uphold independence, integrity of judiciary, bar: Justice Lokur
New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) It is important for all stakeholders to maintain the independence not only of the judiciary but of the bar as well for a flourishing democracy, Justice Madan B. Lokur of the Supreme Court said on Friday.
Recognised for his “compassion and empathy” for the disadvantaged and vulnerable section of society, Justice Lokur said that as a flourishing democracy the “independence and integrity of bar is very important” and they should be independent of judiciary also.
Justice Lokur was speaking at a farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Bar association on his last working day in the top court before it goes into a two-week winter break from Saturday. However, he retires on December 30, 2018.
Justice Lokur is one of the four judges, including now Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice J. Chelameswar who had addressed media on January 12 flagging the issues relating to the working of the top court, including allocation of sensitive cases to certain benches.
Expressing concern over the staggering increase in number of cases in lower courts to 2.91 crore and High Courts by 40 lakh, Justice Lokur said the exercise undertaken by Chief Justice Gogoi to fill the vacancies in subordinate judiciary and required infrastructure — court rooms, judges residences and court manpower — needs to be supported by all.
Describing Justice Lokur as “flag bearer in environmental jurisprudence”, Chief Justice Gogoi said his association with Justice Lokur stretches 50 years when their rooms were opposite each other in a hostel.
While Justice Lokur was studying law, he was pursuing his post-graduation, CJI Gogoi said.
Describing him as a “pro-citizen and pro-victim judge”, CJI Gogoi referred to Justice Lokur’s recent verdict in the Nipun Saxena case on protecting the identity of rape victims.
The CJI also referred to his recent judgment where he said socio-economic conditions of an accused must be kept in view while awarding the sentence.
“This is an emotional moment for me. We have 50 years of association. He went to do law, I went to do post-graduation. I feel my right arm has been taken away,” CJI Gogoi said, adding Justice Lokur was an “outstanding judge with an extraordinary capability”.
Justice Lokur “decides cases according to law but has a liberal approach towards under-privileged and vulnerable sections of society”; he is a pro-citizen and pro-victim judge, said CJI Gogoi.
Newly elected SCBA President Rakesh Sharma too recalled the great achievements of Justice Lokur as the head of e-committee and creating a war room in the Supreme Court from where the progress of all the cases in any court across the country can be monitored.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.