The Supreme Court of India is set to mark its Diamond Jubilee on January 28, 2025, with a historic event, as a ceremonial bench consisting of all 33 judges, including Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, will gather in courtroom number 1 at 3:30 pm. This significant occasion will commemorate 75 years of the Supreme Court’s existence since its establishment. The proceedings of this special ceremonial session will be live-streamed, according to a circular issued by the court’s Registrar, Mahesh T Patankar.
This gathering of the entire bench of judges is a rare occurrence, and it mirrors a similar ceremony held in 2000 when the court celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Supreme Court, which serves as the highest judicial authority in the country, was officially established on January 28, 1950, with the adoption of the Indian Constitution. However, the inauguration of the court took place two days later, after India had declared itself a Republic.
The first session of the Supreme Court took place in the Chamber of Princes, located in the old Parliament building, which was also home to the Federal Court of India from 1937 to 1950. This historic moment was attended by prominent figures such as the first Chief Justice of India, Harilal J. Kania, and other justices, including Saiyid Fazl Ali, M. Patanjali Sastri, Mehr Chand Mahajan, Bijan Kumar Mukherjea, and S.R. Das. The Supreme Court functioned from the old Parliament House until 1958, when it moved to its present building on Tilak Marg, New Delhi. The inauguration of the new building took place on August 4, 1958, with the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, presiding over the ceremony.
In the past year, the Supreme Court’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations were further marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the commemorative events. During the ceremony, he launched several technology-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of the court system, including Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and a new website for the apex judicial body.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the event, acknowledged the Supreme Court’s instrumental role in fortifying India’s democratic values. He emphasized that the court has been a crucial institution in upholding freedoms, including freedom of expression, personal freedom, and social justice, contributing significantly to India’s vibrant democracy. This acknowledgment highlighted the ongoing importance of the judiciary in safeguarding the rights and liberties of the Indian people.
As the court’s ceremonial bench prepares to assemble tomorrow, it marks a significant milestone in India’s judicial history. The event, which will be broadcasted live, provides an opportunity for the public to witness this landmark occasion and reflect on the contributions of the Supreme Court in shaping the legal and democratic landscape of the nation over the last 75 years. With a rich history, the court continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring justice and fairness for all citizens.
As the nation celebrates this momentous occasion, the Supreme Court stands as a pillar of justice, having evolved with the times and adapted to the changing needs of society, while remaining steadfast in its commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rule of law.
