Speech

By the Hon'ble Mr. Bhagwati Prasad Singh,

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal

Delivered on November 25, 1966, on the occasion of the Inaugural Ceremony

Chief Justice, brother Judges, sisters and brothers-

I express thanks on behalf of my brother Judges and myself for the most cordial invitation extended to us on the occasion of very happy and august Centenary Celebrations of this Court. We are specially pleased to be in this beautiful ancient city of Allahabad-a great seat of learning, culture and religion-situated on the confluence of the holiest of the rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Permit me to convey to you the sincerest good wishes and cordial greetings of the people of the Kingdom of Nepal, especially men of the learned profession of law.

The very fact that you are celebrating the Centenary is indicative of your fairly long service in solving conflicts and securing justice to the people. There can be-no such thing as a peaceful society in the absence of impartial judiciary to settle controversies on the basis of what is just and right and to direct the power of the State in the enforcement of law. Rule of law is the voice of the present era. In order that peace on earth may be a reality, the need for world peace through law, by creating world order, where rule of law prevails over rule of force, has become a necessity. Therefore, the Judiciary has to play a very significant role to achieve the desired end. I need not mention that the necessity for maintaining the faith of the people in the Court of Justice, whether national or international, specially in its present effective role, is an important consideration. No institution can last or flourish, unless it is based on the recognition of the existing practical realities and unless its soundness and its capacity to deliver justice are accepted by an overwhelming majority of the people. We are happy to learn and observe the great achievements of your High Court in that direction. We wish this High Court, by meeting the ends of justice and creating a great confidence in the mind of the people, will not only maintain its attainments but will progress further in achieving greater reputation in future.

Before thanking you once again for the opportunity provided to us to participate in this great celebration, I would like- to mention that we shall remember what the Chief Justice has said about the temple of justice. I feel that 'work is worship', and certainly a place, where the sacred work of dispensation of justice is performed, is indeed very very sacred; and, in my opinion, the judiciary is aptly proud in having performed such a sacred duty. We are at one with you in the happiness of celebrating this great auspicious occasion.