During a one-day workshop conducted on the subject of administration of criminal justice here on Sunday, the Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court, Ramesh Ranganathan, highlighted the need for more officers in police and judicial services. He also emphasised on the need to reduce the number of pending case in the courts.

A District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) member said that during the workshop organised at ONGC auditorium the chief justice directed Uttarakhand administration to provide proper infrastructure. As per the records about 2,000 judges in the state do not have their own court rooms.

Similarly, lawyers were directed to actively participate in more pro-bono cases, so that free legal aid can be provided to the needy section of the society. They were also asked to distance themselves from useless adjournments.

The judges were directed to expedite the case proceedings, but in such a way that no innocent persons gets punished. Ranganathan directed judges to conduct fair trial, stating that as the judge they are the master of the court room and it is their responsibility to manage all affairs in the court house.

To the police department he said that the role of force is to catch the culprits, not to abuse their power. He directed them to conduct fair and detailed investigation so that correct evidences can be provided in front of the court.

While answering one of the questions asked by law students he also explained the complexity of fake cases, stating that if a person lies in the court room and fraudulently accused another person then he or she is accountable for perjury.