NEW DELHI (Economy India): President of India Droupadi Murmu underscored the pivotal role of district courts in shaping the public’s perception of the judiciary during the closing session of the National District Judiciary Conference, held in New Delhi. The event, organized by the Supreme Court of India, also saw the unveiling of the Supreme Court’s flag and emblem by the President.
District Courts: The Pillars of Justice
President Murmu emphasized that district courts are the first point of contact for millions of citizens with the judiciary. “District-level courts are where justice begins for our citizens. The efficiency and sensitivity with which justice is delivered here determine the public’s trust in the entire judicial system,” she said.
Tackling the Culture of Adjournments
The President called for immediate reforms to address the culture of frequent adjournments, which often delay justice and increase the burden on the judiciary. “We must take every possible measure to change this culture. Delays in justice erode public trust,” President Murmu asserted.
Enhancing Judicial Infrastructure
President Murmu acknowledged the significant improvements in judicial infrastructure, training, and resources at the district level in recent years. However, she emphasized that there is still much to be done to ensure that these courts can function efficiently and meet the growing demands of justice.
Addressing Pending Cases
Highlighting the challenge of pending cases, the President expressed concern over cases that have been pending for over 32 years. She urged all stakeholders to prioritize this issue and find effective solutions. “Special Lok Adalats and similar initiatives should be organized more frequently to address the backlog,” she suggested.
Ensuring Accessible Justice
The President proposed the idea of establishing local-level judicial systems akin to Panchayats and municipalities, which could provide justice in local languages and contexts. “Bringing justice closer to the people, in their own language and environment, will help achieve the ideal of accessible justice for all,” she said.
Challenges Facing the Judiciary
President Murmu highlighted several challenges facing the judiciary, including issues related to evidence and witnesses. She called for coordinated efforts between the judiciary, government, and police administration to address these challenges.
Justice for the Vulnerable
The President expressed concern over the long delays in cases related to heinous crimes, such as rape, which often lead to a perception of insensitivity in the judicial process. “When justice is delayed by a generation, it reflects poorly on our system. We must ensure that justice is swift and fair,” she remarked.
She also emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, including children of incarcerated women and juvenile offenders. “Our priority should be to improve their mental health, provide them with useful skills, and offer free legal aid,” President Murmu stated.
A New Era in Criminal Justice
President Murmu welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to implement the provisions of the Indian Citizen Protection Code retrospectively, allowing for the release on bail of those who have served one-third of their maximum sentence. She expressed confidence that this would mark the beginning of a new era in criminal justice.
Copyrigth@economyindia
