Agartala, April 04, 2026: Supreme Court judge Justice S. Venkatanarayana Bhatti on Saturday described the judiciary as the “steel frame of the edifice of Indian democracy” while urging judicial officers in Tripura to uphold integrity, clarity, and constitutional values. Speaking at the 12th Annual Judicial Conclave, he reflected on his early career in district courts, noting that principles of procedure and substantive law continue to guide him at the apex court.

Justice Bhatti emphasized the foundational role of trial judges in shaping justice delivery and cautioned against the “poisonous C’s” — confusion, caste or creed bias, corruption, complicity, complacency, and capitulation to pressure. He stressed that judicial service is a solemn duty, guided by the Constitution and conscience, and called for conclaves to serve as platforms for introspection and awareness.

Tripura High Court Chief Justice M. S. Ramachandra Rao also addressed the gathering, highlighting the need for timely verdicts to maintain public confidence. He urged officers to rely on evidence and law rather than media narratives. Justices T. Amarnath Goud, S. F. Purkayastha, Biswajit Palit, and the Director of TJA were present.