Planting trees best homage to martyrs, says Justice TS Thakur

NEW DELHI: Planting trees will be the best homage to all those who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their lives for the sake of unity and integrity of the nation, Supreme Court judge Justice TS Thakur today said.

"We are celebrating the 69th independence day tomorrow to remember all those who fought for the country to liberate it from the British rule. There are people who died and continue to die for the sake of unity and integrity for the country," Justice Thakur said, while inaugurating a tree plantation drive at the Tis Hazari courts complex here.

He said, "While planting trees, you are paying homage to those who lost their lives for the country. This is the best way to pay homage to them."

In his address, the apex court judge also urged the people working at the Tis Hazari courts complex, one of the oldest courts in the country, to work for uplift of common people.

"Delhi is blessed with funds. There are states where fund is a problem. You are blessed in terms of intellect and resources. All you need is the will power to improve the condition here. Improve the condition where you work, specially when state is ready to help," he said while referring to infrastructure at the courts complex.

He further added that planting trees would make the place happier and working condition better.

Justice Thakur hailed "the judicial intellect and the capacity of Delhi" saying it was far above the rest of the country.

"I keep reading judgments from several courts... Judgments from Delhi and Kerala are best in the country," he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Delhi High Court Chief Justice G Rohini said there was a need to make a balance between development and the environment.

"The rapid scientific and technological way of living has made several changes in our lives but we have forgotten that what destruction it has caused to us...There is a need to strike a balance between development and environment," Justice Rohini said.

Besides Justice Thakur, others present at the function include Justices M B Lokur and A K Sikri and other judges of the Delhi High Court.