Delhi High Court Bar Association Commemorates Litigants with ‘Fight For Justice’ Awards in Landmark Cases
Former Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana, Chief Guest at the Event
In a groundbreaking move, the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA), in collaboration with Live4Freedom LLP, presented the inaugural Fight for Justice Awards on Monday. The awards aim to recognize litigants who, against formidable odds, secured victories in Supreme Court cases, leading to landmark judgments and legal reforms.
Award Categories and Recipients
Criminal Cases
Winner: Asha Devi (Nirbhaya’s mother)
Asha Devi fought tirelessly for justice for her daughter Nirbhaya, resulting in significant changes to criminal law, including the recognition of offenses like acid attacks, voyeurism, and stalking.
Women Cases
Winner: Shayara Bano
Shayara Bano challenged the practice of Triple Talaq, leading to a Supreme Court declaration in 2017 that deemed the practice unconstitutional.
Administration and Governance Cases
Winners: Commanders Annie Nagaraja and Priya Khurana
Commanders Annie Nagaraja and Priya Khurana’s case established that Short Service Commission women officers in the Navy were entitled to permanent commission, ensuring gender equality.
Labour Cases
Winner: Bezwada Wilson
Bezwada Wilson, a Safai Karmachari Andolan founder, played a pivotal role in securing a Supreme Court order for ₹10 lakh compensation in each case of death due to manual scavenging.
Environment Cases
Winner: Late Abdul Jabbar Khan
Abdul Jabbar Khan, a Bhopal Gas Tragedy victim turned activist, fought for justice in the Supreme Court, highlighting the plight of victims.
Specially-abled Persons Cases
Winner: Nipun Malhotra
Nipun Malhotra, born with a rare disease, contributed to exemptions for specially-abled persons during Delhi’s odd-even scheme and advocated for greater accessibility.
Child Rights Cases
Winner: Bachpan Bachao Andolan
The organization, founded by Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, compelled the Supreme Court to issue directives to protect children from alcohol and drug abuse.
Lifetime Achievement
Recipient of the award: Neelam Krishnamoorthy (for her efforts in the Uphaar tragedy case)
Neelam Krishnamoorthy, co-founder of AVUT, fought a two-decade legal battle against the Ansals following the 1997 Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy.
Acknowledging Unsung Heroes
DHCBA Vice-President Jatan Singh expressed that the awards recognize litigants who, through their perseverance, not only sought justice for themselves but also positively impacted society. The event underscores the integral role litigants play in the ‘temple of justice,’ alongside judges and lawyers. The awards, determined by a distinguished jury, celebrate individuals who have contributed significantly to the rule of law with their unwavering commitment.
