It will be a much-needed break from the courtroom drama. Over 50 judges will travel to the Jim Corbett National Park next week to de-stress in its sylvan surroundings. An early morning tiger safari is also part of the itinerary. The three-day retreat, starting October 9, is intended as a getaway from the monotony of their hectic work.
The ‘environmental retreat’ is being arranged by the Delhi Judicial Academy, which operates under the jurisdiction of Delhi High Court. A course coordinator said, “Such trips are essential for the personality development of new judges and would also act as a stress buster for them. They will get to interact with each other, which otherwise is not possible for them during their busy and tiring routines.” He added that 50 to 55 officers of the Delhi Judicial Service and the Delhi Higher Judicial Service would be at the National Park, named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist. It is considered to have the highest density of 20 tigers per 100 sq km. During last count, 340 tigers were spotted in Uttarakhand with the maximum in Corbett. The judges will also visit the Corbett Museum, the Garija Temple as well as attend a talk on wildlife and other environment-related issues. The judges will be travelling by luxury buses which will be accompanied by two SUVs as well.
“We have made adequate arrangements for the stay of the judges and booked three-star hotels for them,” the official said, adding that both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food would be served. The academy has planned similar trips to other states, including Ranthambore in Rajasthan and places in Gujarat and MP. The academy has planned four such retreats for judges every year.