Bilaspur, February 14, 2026: A one-day Divisional Judicial Seminar for Judicial Officers of the Bilaspur Division was organised by the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy at the New Conference Hall, District Court Premises, Bilaspur. The seminar brought together 119 Judicial Officers from five civil districts of the division, including Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh, Korba and Mungeli.
The session was inaugurated by Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh and Patron-in-Chief of the Judicial Academy, in the presence of other judges of the High Court.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice underlined the responsibility that rests on trial courts in the justice delivery system and said, “Judicial discretion must always be exercised judiciously, guided by statutory provisions and settled principles of law.” He described the seminar as an important forum for judicial officers to deliberate on issues frequently arising before trial courts and to strengthen their understanding of legal and procedural principles.
Highlighting foundational aspects of the justice system, he observed that while substantive law defines rights and liabilities, procedural law ensures those rights are effectively enforced. Procedural rules, he noted, are structured to secure fairness, consistency and certainty in judicial proceedings. Balancing substance and procedure is essential to uphold the rule of law and maintain public confidence in courts.
The Chief Justice also spoke about the challenges faced by courts today, including complex litigation, growing caseloads and heightened public expectations. He emphasised that proper and efficient application of law and procedure is key to timely disposal of cases and to ensuring that justice is both delivered and perceived as fair and impartial.
During the programme, he launched the revamped official website of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, featuring a modern interface and improved access to information on training programmes, judicial education initiatives and institutional activities.
The seminar included district-level presentations on significant legal themes such as grant of bail on the ground of parity and its limitations; procedural aspects and disposal strategies in cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act; execution of decrees through arrest, detention and attachment of property; succession and inheritance laws among Hindus with reference to customary law in tribal societies; and statutory requirements and evidentiary value of wills.
The event was attended by the Registrar General of the High Court, registry officers, judicial officers of participating districts and senior administrative and police officials. The welcome address was delivered by the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Bilaspur, followed by an introductory address by the Director of the Judicial Academy, and concluded with a vote of thanks by the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bilaspur
