It was perhaps one of the most unusual and unique inaugurations held on the premises of the Karnataka High Court. Though the High Court has been the venue of scores of seminars, discussions, functions and felicitations, Saturday’s function was memorable as a museum dedicated to the legal profession took shape.
A brainchild of Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court Cyriac Joseph, the museum is housed adjacent to the tea hall of the judges, that connects the old building with the annexe. It was planned to coincide with the valedictory of the golden jubilee celebrations of the High Court.
The museum houses an original print of the Constitution of India apart from other articles and documents related to the legal profession, including seals, documents and books.
The one-room museum is perhaps the only one of its kind dedicated to the law. Thrown open on Saturday by Chief Justice of India Y.K. Sabharwal, the inauguration was attended by High Court Judges, staff and others.
On display
The museum boasts of insignia worn by peons who were entrusted with the job of serving summons. On display are several seals of courts and some writing instruments. The walls of the room are surrounded by tastefully done up banners on the law.
One of them traces the history of the High Court, while another details the development of courts through the ages.
Two chairs on which presiding officers (judges) used to sit and conduct the proceedings are also on display.
This is the second time in the last two years that books/documents and stationery pertaining to the law have been held in the High Court. On December 1, 2005, a group of advocates under the banner of Lahiri had organised an exhibition where several law books, both in English and Kannada, Mysore Gazette dating to 1866 (now called Karnataka Rajyapatra), apart from the famed Mysore peta were displayed.
While Lahiri, which had organised the exhibition as part of Lawyers’ Day, would up the exhibition after sometime, the High Court museum is all set to continue and grow.
Source: The Hindu