Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant delivered a powerful address in Goa on Sunday, stating that 'law without compassion becomes tyranny' during the conclusion ceremony of a 30-day special awareness campaign titled 'Drugs: A Menace to Society'. The event highlighted Goa's cultural resilience and the importance of balanced legal approaches in combating social issues.
CJI Praises Goa's Heritage and Identity
Upon arriving at the venue, CJI Surya Kant expressed admiration for Goa's vibrant spirit, noting that the coastal state embodies preservation, heritage, and pride in identity. He observed that this essence is reflected not only in the architecture and streets but also in every resident, who carries the DNA of Goa's antiquity and beauty. 'This is what Goa stands for,' he remarked, emphasizing the state's role as a symbol of resistance and persistence against modern challenges.
Anti-Drug Campaign: A Collective Resolve
The awareness campaign, designed around themes of resistance, aims to empower citizens by making them aware and informed about the silent threat of drug abuse. CJI Surya Kant explained that drug abuse often infiltrates homes, classrooms, and communities without warning, eroding potential and distorting futures. He praised the initiative as more than just an awareness drive, calling it an assertion of collective resolve that has reached every corner of Goa, from urban areas to remote tribal villages and fishing communities.
Balancing Law with Compassion
Drawing from his four decades of experience in the justice system, CJI Surya Kant highlighted the delicate balance between law and compassion. He stated that while law without compassion can lead to tyranny, compassion without law results in chaos. The campaign, he noted, has successfully navigated this middle path by engaging with students, families, and marginalized groups respectfully and without instilling fear. 'It has given a voice to those whom society had written off,' he added, underscoring the power of personal testimonies in raising awareness.
The event in Goa underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing social menaces through informed and compassionate approaches, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in safeguarding societal well-being.
