New Delhi, Nov 26 (IANS): It is the solemn duty of the courts to uphold and preserve the trust and confidence of the people in the justice delivery system as the loss of same could spell doom for the rule of law, Chief Justice of India Justice P. Sathasivam said Tuesday.

"I am deeply gratified by the faith and confidence that the people of this country repose in our judicial system. It is our solemn duty to ensure that we live up to their expectations, which are growing day-by-day," he said in his inaugural address at the National Law Day function held in Supreme Court.

"We have to preserve the trust and confidence reposed by our people since it is our greatest asset," he said, adding that the "loss of confidence in the judiciary may be the end of the Rule of Law."

He said that every effort would be made to rectify those defects and infirmities in the judicial system and to improve them so that it more responsive to the needs of the people.

The Law Day, Chief Justice Sathasivam said, reminds us of the fundamental truth that "our lives, liberty and rights to pursue our individual destinies are dependent upon our system of law and independent courts."

It is the obedience to the laws that protects these rights, which forms the core of existence of democracy, he said urging media that "reporting may be done considering the institution and not the individual by balancing equities".

He exhorted the media to be cautious in reporting a "any casual carefree remark" which may have the tendency of causing irreparable damage to the institution may have the impact not only at the national level but also internationally.

Describing as to grossly unequal the proportionality of courts with the pending number of cases, the Chief Justice also urged Law Minister Kapil Sibal to take steps for setting up of additional courts at district and sub-district levels as this would immensely aid in reduction of pendency and provide relief to the poorest of the poor.