Justice K.H. Narasimha Kuranga Took Oath as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court on February 6, 2002

February 6, 2002 : Kortagere Hanumanthaiah Narasimha Kuranga took oath as the Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court on February 6, 2002, marking an important moment in the early years of the High Court after the formation of the State of Chhattisgarh.

Born on May 11, 1942, Justice Kuranga enrolled as an advocate on February 16, 1968, and practised before the Karnataka High Court in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters. He earned recognition for his strong expertise in criminal law and built a distinguished legal career before his elevation to the Bench on February 22, 1993.

Following his appointment as Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court, Justice Kuranga played a key role in strengthening the judicial framework of the newly established High Court. His tenure reflected his extensive judicial experience and commitment to the administration of justice.

Justice Kuranga’s elevation to the highest judicial office in the state was regarded as recognition of his long-standing contribution to the legal profession and his reputation as a respected jurist with deep knowledge of criminal jurisprudence.

Our New Chief Justice

Hon’ble Mr Justice K.H.N. Kuranga was sworn in as the Second Chief Justice of this state on 6-2-2002 by H.E. the governor of Chhattisgarh.

In his opening address Hon’ble Justice Fakhruddin introduced the Chief Justice to the audience. The Advocate General Mr. Ravindra Shrivastava, the President of the High Court bar Mr Bajpai also falicitated the Chief Justice on his assumption of office.

In reply, his Lordship Mr. Justice Kuruanga observed thus Hon’ble Shri Justice Fakhruddin, Judge, High Court of Chhattisgarh, Hon’ble Shri Justice S.K. Tiwari, Former Judge of M.P. High Court; Shri Ravindra Shrivastava, Advocate General; Shri V.D. Bajpai, President, High Court Bar Association; Shri V.V.S. Murthy, Addl. Central Govt. Standing Counsel; Shri V.T. Raya Reddy, Chairman, Bar Council of Karnataka; Shri S.S. Patil, Former Chairman of Bar Council of Karnataka, Learned Mambers of the Subordinate Judiciary, Members of the staff and distinguished invitees –

Soon after the swearing in ceremoney. His Lordship proceding to Bilaspur.

His Lordship was arrivded worm welcome by the Bar and Bench

I am proud of assuming office as the Second Chief Justice of the young and progressive State. I am grateful to the learned Speakers for the nice compliments in the welcome address, and am helpless to find suitable words to reciprocate my appreciation and gratitude for the same.

I learn with pleasure that the young State is the inheritor of some great traits and traditions from the pareent State, that Mother Nature has showered her bountiful on this region, and that the people are not only heard working, but are socially and politically conscious, which, is indeed a welcome feature from the point of establishing the Rule of Law.

The administration of justice has come in for severe criticism from different quarters for different reasons. Part of the blame is on the Judiciary and the Bar -the two sides of the same coin. Court delays are a major cause for the present state of affairs. It is my belief that with improved techniques of Court management, including use of the now available strides in information technology, and with unflinching co-operation between these two wings, and with wise and selective use of alternate modes of dispute resolution in permissible fields, it should be possible to tackle the question of Courts arrears in a commendable way and in these respects I would like to take all possible steps. Wherever officers have been lying vacant, adding to the problem of arrears, I hope to take the necessary steps. I eagerly look forward to the Legislature and the Executive, the other two wings of the State, to extend a full and hearty cooperation in the noble cause of administration of justice. To the members of the judicial fraternity and the Bar, my sincere suggestion is that ‘expedition’ should be the watchword, which alone can lead towards strengthening the confidence of the public in the institution of the judiciary. It is my belief, that a person has no place in Judiciary, if his or her actions are not informed by honesty, sincerity and promptness. The judiciary has a duty to oversee the functioning of all the three wings of State administration, in order to prevent arbitrariness, and mala fides and the like, and in this respect, I assure that there will be no let up.

The Indian Constitution is considered as a monumental and epochal document in human history. The Chapters on Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties have to be read in conjunctively by every citizen, and then only would it be possible to inculcate the sense of belonging among us all. I do hope that this young, but politically conscious State will blaze a new trail in extending the full benefits of democracy and the Constitutional goals to the people at large.

To the people of Chhattisgarh, my hearty greetings and best wishes. I admit that the lack of knowledge of the local languages may prove to be a hindrance, but I do hope that it is temporary.

I would like to assure the people of this State that the doors of the Temple are open to one and all, and that financial or social disadvantages shall not stand in the way of knocking the doors of justice.

to me. I again thank one and all for the warm and affectionate welcome extended

Dhanyavad!