Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, while speaking as the chief guest during the lecture series organised in the memory of Justice J S Verma at Manas Bhawan said, “Justice Verma through his decisions has re-pronounced the principles of justice. He will be known for giving complete hearing and justice to petitions with utmost transparency. Whether it be the Visakha guidelines which became an example to prevent sexual harassment of working women or be it the Nirbhaya episode, his vision and justice are relevant even today.”

He said Justice Verma was the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court during 1986 to 1989, while he happened to be the President of the Bar Association and also member of Bar Council. His tenure was marked with judicial ecosystem upliftment, enhancing the transparency and accountability. While in Supreme Court, he rendered number of judgments that have wholesomely impacted society, added the Vice-President.

In his landmark judgement of Vishaka & Others vs State of Rajasthan & Others, he judicially structured the mechanism for adequately providing for specific protection of women from sexual harassment in work places. The judgement has another significant aspect of judicial jurisdiction sublimity that calls for focus.

Dhankhar said. “we are living in times where even well guarded ‘secrets’ are at best ‘open secrets’. I would appeal to media to be in ultra cautionary mode while reporting about judiciary.”

He said late Justice Jagdish Sharan Verma will always be best remembered for path-breaking judgements and ideas that have empowered citizens and enabled the government to overhaul institutions for the larger welfare of the people. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone for inviting him to the prestigious event.

Expressing views on the occasion, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the legal fraternity is proud of Justice Verma and the country has full faith in the judiciary of India. Referring to the work being done in Madhya Pradesh on the respect and safety of women and the guidelines given by Justice J S Verma, the Chief Minister said he got followed the natural principles of justice. He while quoting former Prime Minister Late. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized on work in Hindi in the world of justice and law.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Mangubhai Patel explained public’s faith in the judiciary. He also highlighted Justice J S Verma’s adjudication and sensitivity. He also appreciated obeying of principles of justice in Madhya Pradesh and the efforts being made by the Government.

Earlier, Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Ravi Malimath said the main reason for the amendment in the law due to Visakha case is the judgment of Justice Verma and the observations made during the hearing.

Supreme Court Judge, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said along with social justice, Justice Verma rekindled the sense of respect for women by getting the Visakha guideline framed. He said today our society needs to brainstorm on the subject. There is gender discrimination in the cases of atrocities against women, but the woman is also victimized by the woman. We should also learn from the life and discipline of Justice Verma, he added.