CJI urges judiciary to use modern technological tools to speed up justice delivery
CJI urges judiciary to use modern technological tools to speed up justice delivery
Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Saturday termed access to justice as “an instrument of social emancipation” and said that only a small percentage of the population can approach the courts, while the majority is due to silence, awareness and lack of necessary means. are victims.
Technology has emerged as a great enabler, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) said and urged the judiciary to “use modern technological tools to increase the speed of justice delivery”.
Justice Ramana was addressing the first All India District Legal Services Authority meeting in New Delhi in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi Urges judiciary to expedite the release of undertrials Jailed waiting for legal aid.
“Justice: Social, Economic and Political – this is the vision of justice that our preamble promises to every Indian. The reality is that today, only a small percentage of our population can approach the justice delivery system when needed. Most of the people are suffering in silence due to lack of awareness and necessary means,” he said.
“Modern India was built around the goal of removing inequalities in society. Project Democracy is about providing a space for everyone’s participation. Participation would not be possible without social emancipation. Access to justice is an instrument of social emancipation,” the CJI said.
Echoing the views of the Prime Minister on providing legal aid and ensuring the release of undertrials, he said that one of the most important aspects which calls for the active consideration and intervention of the legal service officers in the country is that of undertrials. Status of.
“The Prime Minister and the Attorney General have also rightly raised this issue in the recent Conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices. I am happy to note that NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) is actively collaborating with all stakeholders to get the much awaited relief for undertrials.”
Justice Ramana noted that India is the second most populous country in the world, with an average age of 29 years, with a large workforce.
“However, skilled workers are estimated to be only three per cent of our total workforce. We need to harness the full potential of our country’s youth demographic profile. With the western world facing continuous shortage of skilled human resources, it is India’s turn to fill the gap at the global level,” he said.
The CJI described the district judiciary as the backbone of the justice delivery system of the world’s largest democracy.
He said they are the first point of contact for most of the population and strengthening it is the “need of the hour”.
“Without a doubt, the district judiciary is the driving force behind the legal aid movement in India,” he said, adding that public opinion about the judiciary is primarily based on their experiences with the district judiciary.
The CJI said, “This casts a huge responsibility on the district judiciary, which must perform multi-faceted functions and roles as they are in the best position to understand the problems and social issues of the people.”
Hail to NALSA for services
Justice Ramana appreciated the services rendered since the inception of NALSA 27 years ago and said, “The fact that it aims to provide free legal aid to 70% of our population, makes NALSA the largest legal aid provider in the world.” makes.”
He said that many objectives of NALSA have been translated into social realities and this has been possible due to the sincere efforts of dedicated judges and advocates.
The CJI also stressed the need to strengthen the Alternative Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanism like Lok Adalat, Mediation and Mediation Centres.
He said that these ADR mechanisms have the potential to change the legal landscape of India by providing a platform to millions of people to get their grievances redressed.
“Matrimonial and inter-governmental disputes, matters relating to government contracts and land acquisition may be attempted to be resolved through mandatory ADRs. This will not only reduce the pendency and backlog but will also provide speedy justice to the affected parties.
More than 1200 delegates from across the country are participating in the two-day meeting organized by NALSA, which includes Principal District and Sessions Judges of all Judicial Districts and ex-officio Chairman of DLSA and will discuss the implementation of integrated business process to provide Effective legal aid to the marginalized and the poor.