Lamenting the inadequate number of women judges at all levels, he attributed this to the presence of less women lawyers.In his inaugural address marking the 40 years of Himachal Pradesh High Court here, Balakrishnan said judiciary "has a great role in removal of social inequalities and the common man must feel the impact of judicial delivery system.
"It is not important that judgements should be lengthy but these should help bridge the socio-economic disparities in society," the CJI said.
He said judiciary should address problems of education and health care.Union Minister Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court Kurian Joseph and former Supreme Court judge Krishna Iyer were also present on the occasion.
Iyer said there should be complete transparency in appointment of judges.Joseph said the High Court has prepared a roadmap for disposal of about 53,000 pending cases and its impact would be seen by end of the year.
Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal expressed his government's commitment to strengthen the judicial system and said more judicial complexes will be built in the state.Dhumal said the state government was ready to consider the setting up of Gram Nayalayas in rural areas.He said that three legal aid clinics had already been set up at Mandi, Dharamsala and Shimla for providing assistance to the comman man.