KATHMANDU: Chief Justice (CJ) Prakashman Singh Raut has said that citizens would be secure only in a strong judiciary.

At an interaction programme with journalists at the Supreme Court (SC) on Sunday, CJ Raut made this view by stating that a series of attacks on the court would make the judiciary weak.

“Acts have been made to weaken the courts from a series of attacks. The fourth estate of the state also cannot remain safe if justices are scared. A dreadful time could come for press freedom and respect,” the Chief Justice elaborated.

Stating that disrespectful comments were made against the judiciary, court and justices in a malicious way, the Chief Justice stated that the pictures of the justices were published in a reversed way and the posts were made deliberately.

On the occasion, the Chief Justice welcomed the healthy criticisms and comments on the judiciary. “Full utilization of the constitutionally-guaranteed rights could be enjoyed in a democracy, in an open society and in pluralism. We are aware of this fact. So, let there be healthy criticism; and no objectionable remarks,” Raut added.

The Chief Justice said that the court is a highly sensitive institution and it is required to settle cases only on grounds of truth, fact and evidence.

In case of some flaws in the verdicts though made by taking these things into account, the Chief Justice said there is a constitutional provision to appeal in the high court and again visit the Supreme Court in case one is not satisfied with the verdict.

Stating that journalists are the ones to utilize the freedom of expression, Chief Justice Raut mentioned that the acts of hatred spread against the judiciary and the impacts on justice delivery would be serious.

“We will be corrected in required places but there is no excuse for anyone to target the courts and Justices in a deliberate manner. We are doing a serious assessment whether we are suffering due to our own weaknesses,” Chief Justice Raut shared.

The Chief Justice said that the country’s media was the institution for hope, confidence and trust in the country’s critical juncture and urged to offer healthy criticisms and suggestions to uplift the dignity of the judiciary.

Chief Justice Raut was of the view that healthy criticisms of the judiciary were welcome but the comments should not be on grounds of malicious intentions. “This (the judiciary) is an essential institution. The day this institution starts trembling, a very tough situation could surface,” Raut cautioned.

Likewise, Seniormost Justice of the Supreme Court, Sapana Malla Pradhan, said that the judiciary was working to ensure the light of justice won’t collapse, though the judiciary has witnessed massive physical damage.

“The judiciary is an armless body. A medium is being used as an arm against us. The judiciary and the press are complementary to each other and you have unveiled the issues for our reforms. The judiciary is indebted,” Malla added.