New Delhi: The greatest strength of the judiciary is the faith of people in it and judges must be “steadfast” in holding on to their principles” and “fearless in their decisions” to withstand all pressures and odds, said the Supreme Court Senior most judge Justice N V Ramana. His comments hold importance in the backdrop of a recent unprecedented move by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of making allegations against him in a letter to Chief Justice of India S A Bobde.

Speaking at a condolence meet on Saturday for Former Supreme Court Judge A R Lakshmanan, who passed away on August 27, faith, confidence and acceptability cannot be commanded, they have to be earned, said the Judge. His remarks at a public function are the first since the controversy broke out after the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister wrote the letter. He added that “there are innumerable qualities that a person needs to live what can be called a good life: humility, patience, kindness, a strong work ethic and the enthusiasm to constantly learn and improve oneself”.

It is an important quality for a judge to withstand all pressures and odds and to stand up bravely against all obstacles,” he said. Recalling the former judge, he said, “We should all take inspiration from his words and should strive to commit a vibrant and independent judiciary which is required in the current times”. He said his belief is that Justice Lakshmana epitomized all the required qualities of being one of the best judges the country has seen.

“Our values are ultimately our greatest wealth, and we must never forget the same” and added that Justice Lakshmana wore his values on his sleeves and he has learnt immensely from him about being a good person and a judge, he said. Justice Lakshmanan, who hailed from Tamil Nadu, was appointed as a Permanent Judge of the Madras High Court in 1990 and he became Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court and also served as Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court in 2002 and served till his superannuation in 2007.