From Our Special Correspondent

Daijworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 23: Accessibility, availability and affordability are the crucial factors in fostering social inclusion and equality within the justice system, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday.

Addressing the inaugural function of the 21st biennial State-level conference of judicial officers on the theme of ‘’equity and excellence for futuristic judiciary,’’ held in Bengaluru, he said the theme resonates deeply with the ethos of our democratic society and the imperatives of our time.

Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud and other judges from the High Court attended the conference.

The Chief Minister said it is a ‘’moral imperative’’ for all judicial officers to ensure that ‘’justice is not a privilege of the few but a fundamental right of all.’’

Accessibility to justice means every citizen, irrespective of their socio-economic status, geography or literacy levels, should find the doors of our courts open to them, he said pointing out that the use of digital platforms and e-courts is a step in the right direction, allowing for seamless filing of cases, hearing schedules, and even virtual court proceedings, thus breaking down the barriers of distance and time.

Siddaramaiah underscored that availability of justice implies our judiciary is equipped to handle the volume of cases brought before it. The perennial challenge of case backlog threatens the very principle of 'justice delayed is justice denied.'

‘’It is imperative that we adopt a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of mounting backlog of cases,’’ he said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that legal aid services must be strengthened and made more robust to ensure that the economically weaker sections of our society are not denied justice due to the lack of financial resources, and said: ‘’We must work towards a system where legal aid is not just a service but a guarantee of our justice system.’’

Language should not be a barrier to justice. The use of the local language in court proceedings, or the integration of Artificial Intelligence to provide real-time updates and translations, can significantly enhance the understanding and participation of litigants in the judicial process. This not only makes the courts more accessible but also instils a greater sense of trust and confidence in the judiciary among the common people, he said.

‘’The task before us - the legislature and judiciary alike - is twofold. Firstly, we must continue to identify and address the social concerns that persist, evolving our approaches and strategies to meet the complex demands of our times. Secondly, we must rigorously ensure that the provisions and reforms already in place are effectively implemented, truly transforming lives and uprooting the remnants of social evils,’’ he said.

This dual commitment to action and vigilance, he said embodies the philosophy that guides us: a belief in the relentless pursuit of a just society, where inclusivity, inclusive growth, plurality and equality are not aspirational goals but the very foundations upon which our nation is built. It is through this shared vision and unwavering dedication that we can continue to forge a future marked by social justice and the empowerment of every citizen.

While the members of the judiciary have been working tirelessly to overcome the challenges facing the system and stay true to their responsibilities, he said it is equally important to pause and reflect on the approach and question how one could be more effective in achieving the larger purpose.