Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Calls for Modernizing Courts and Increasing Accessibility
New Delhi, September 1: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the need for a transformative overhaul of district-level court infrastructure to create a more inclusive and efficient judicial system. Speaking at the National Conference of District Judiciary in Delhi, he highlighted the importance of modern facilities and practices to improve accessibility.
Focus on Female-Friendly Infrastructure
Chief Justice Chandrachud pointed out that only 6.7% of district court infrastructure is female-friendly, despite a high percentage of women recruits in some states. He called for infrastructural audits and the introduction of in-court medical facilities, creches, and technological projects like e-seva Kendras and video conferencing devices to increase access to justice.
Inclusive Environment for All
The Chief Justice stressed the need for a safe and accommodating environment for all sections of society, including women, persons with disabilities, and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He urged the judiciary to confront biases faced by vulnerable groups at the bar and the bench.
Action Plan to Reduce Case Backlogs
Chief Justice Chandrachud discussed the action plan by the Committee on Reducing Arrears of Cases, which includes forming district-level case management committees and resolving long-pending cases. The plan aims to clear backlogs of cases pending for over a decade by June 2025.
Success of National Lok Adalat
The Chief Justice highlighted the success of the Supreme Court’s first-ever National Lok Adalat, where nearly 1,000 cases were resolved in five working days. He also called for a standardized recruitment process for judges to promote national integration and equitable selection.
Commitment to Constitutional Principles
Chief Justice Chandrachud reaffirmed the Constitution’s principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which guide the judicial system’s evolution. He praised efforts to modernize the judiciary over the past decade, focusing on creating tech-savvy, accessible court environments with improved facilities and services.
Doubts Revealed
Chief Justice -: The Chief Justice is the head judge of the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in India. They make important decisions about laws and justice.
DY Chandrachud -: DY Chandrachud is the current Chief Justice of India. He is a very important judge who helps make big decisions about the law.
modernizing courts -: Modernizing courts means updating and improving the buildings and technology used in courts to make them work better and faster.
district-level court -: District-level courts are local courts in different areas of India. They handle many cases and are the first place people go to solve legal problems.
inclusive -: Inclusive means making sure everyone is treated fairly and has the same opportunities, no matter who they are.
judicial system -: The judicial system is the group of courts and judges in a country that helps solve legal problems and make sure laws are followed.
National Conference of District Judiciary -: This is a big meeting where judges from district courts all over India come together to talk about how to make the courts better.
Delhi -: Delhi is the capital city of India. Many important meetings and events happen there.
female-friendly facilities -: Female-friendly facilities are special places or things in buildings that make it easier and safer for women to use, like clean bathrooms and safe waiting areas.
vulnerable groups -: Vulnerable groups are people who might need extra help or protection, like children, elderly people, or those with disabilities.
case backlogs -: Case backlogs are when there are too many cases waiting to be solved in court, which can make the process very slow.
National Lok Adalat -: National Lok Adalat is a special event where many legal cases are solved quickly and fairly outside of regular courtrooms.
standardized recruitment process -: A standardized recruitment process means having the same rules and steps for hiring judges everywhere in the country.
national integration -: National integration means bringing people from different parts of the country together to work as one, making the country stronger and more united.
