Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, April 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Joint Conference of Chief Ministers of States and Chief Justices of High Courts’ inaugural session at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday.
“While the judiciary serves as the protector of the constitution in our country, the legislation represents the aspirations of the population,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, adding, “I believe that the convergence and balancing of these two departments of the Constitution will lay the groundwork for a countrywide judicial system that is both effective and timely.”
He claimed that 75 years of independence had helped to clarify the functions and responsibilities of both the judiciary and the executive branch. This relationship has evolved over time to provide direction to the country wherever it is required.
The PM further said, “In 2047, when the country will complete 100 years of its independence, then what kind of judicial system would we like to see in the country? How do we make our judicial system so capable that it can fulfil the aspirations of India of 2047, these questions should be our priority today.”
“Our vision in Amrit Kaal should be of such a judicial system in which there is easy justice, speedy justice, and justice for all,” he added.
The Prime Minister stated that the administration is working hard to decrease delays in the delivery of justice and that efforts are being made to strengthen the judiciary and improve judicial infrastructure. He stated that ICT has been used for case administration, and that attempts are being made to fill vacancies at all levels of the judiciary.
In the framework of judicial work, the PM also restated his aim of using technology in government. He stated that the Indian government views the use of technology in the judicial system as a critical component of the Digital India objective.
He urged Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts to move on with this. According to him, the e-courts project is currently in mission mode.
Further on the topic of technology’s use, the Prime Minister stated that several countries now teach disciplines such as block-chains, electronic discovery, cybersecurity, robotics, AI, and bioethics in law schools. “It is our job to ensure that legal education in our country meets these worldwide standards as well,” he stated.
The Prime Minister stated that it is important to encourage local languages in the courts so that citizens of the country feel linked to the judicial process and their trust in it grows.
The Prime Minister also discussed the intricacies and outdated nature of laws. He stated that the administration identified 1800 laws that had become obsolete in 2015, and that 1450 of them had already been removed.
“I would urge all the Chief Ministers that for the rights of the inhabitants of their state and for their ease of life, absolutely efforts should be taken in this regard,” he said, noting that just 75 such laws have been repealed by states.
Prime Minister Modi stressed that judicial reform is more than just a policy issue. Human sensitivities are at stake, and they should be kept at the forefront of all discussions.
“There are around 3.5 lakh convicts in the country today who are awaiting trial and are incarcerated. In every district, there is a commission led by the District Judge to assess these cases and, if possible, such prisoners may be released on bail,” he said, adding, “The majority of these persons are from poor or average households.”
“Based on humanitarian sensibility and law, I would appeal to all Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts to give precedence to these concerns,” he added.
According to PM Modi, mediation is a crucial instrument for resolving ongoing court matters, particularly at the municipal level. The administration has introduced the Mediation Bill as umbrella legislation in Parliament. “With our extensive legal competence, we have the potential to become a global leader in the field of mediation-based solutions. We can provide a model to the entire world,” the PM said.
Those attending included Chief Justice of India Justice N.V. Ramana, Supreme Court Justice UU Lalit, Union Ministers Shri Kiren Rijiju and Prof S.P. Singh Baghel, Supreme Court Judges, Chief Justices of High Courts, Chief Ministers and LGs of states and union territories.
