Durg : The Divisional Judicial Seminar and Refresher Training Programme on new criminal laws for judicial officers of the Durg Division was held at the District & Sessions Court, Durg, emerging as a significant platform for strengthening judicial capacity and improving the justice delivery system. The event brought together judicial officers from across Durg, Kabirdham, Rajnandgaon, Balod, and Bemetara, creating an atmosphere of shared purpose, professional engagement, and institutional learning.
The seminar was marked by the distinguished presence of Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh, whose guidance set the tone for the proceedings. He was joined by Justice Rajani Dubey and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, whose presence added depth and institutional weight to the seminar.
Held on 11 April 2026 at the Conference Hall of the District Court in Durg, the programme began with a formal reception of the dignitaries by Principal District & Sessions Judge Shri K. Vinod Kujur and members of the district judiciary. The ceremonial welcome, which included an NCC escort, the National Anthem, and the traditional lighting of the lamp, set a dignified and purposeful tone for the day.
In his welcome address, Shri Kujur emphasised that continuous judicial education is central to maintaining a responsive and effective justice system. This was followed by an introductory address from Smt. Nidhi Sharma Tiwari, Director of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, who highlighted the importance of adapting to evolving legal frameworks and strengthening institutional capacity through structured training.
A key highlight of the inaugural session was the address delivered by the Chief Justice, who stressed that judicial officers must remain well-versed in statutory mandates, particularly in relation to electronic records. His remarks focused on judicial efficiency, timely delivery of justice, and the need to effectively implement new criminal laws. He also underlined the growing importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in reducing pendency and enhancing public confidence in the judiciary.
The seminar featured intensive technical sessions, including paper presentations and discussions on practical challenges faced by courts in implementing new criminal laws. The active participation of judicial officers reflected a collective commitment to legal excellence and institutional reform.
A major milestone of the programme was the unveiling of the publication titled “Mediation 2.0 – IAISAGR: Mediation Strategy Model for Durg.” Released by the Chief Justice, the publication represents a structured approach to strengthening mediation as an effective alternative to traditional litigation. It aims to streamline dispute resolution processes and make justice more accessible, particularly at the district level.
The seminar concluded as a meaningful exercise in knowledge exchange and institutional strengthening, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to continuous learning, integrity, and improved public service. It stood as a reminder that the effectiveness of the justice system depends not only on legal provisions but also on the preparedness and adaptability of those entrusted with its implementation.
