Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Saturday said that the judiciary should not camouflage or hide its problems but flag them and discuss the issues which hinder its functioning so that it can serve the people better. He said that if judges don't discuss such issues affecting the judiciary and address the same, the system will be crippled.
The CJI was speaking at the All India District Legal Services Authorities Meet, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"If we intend to serve the people better, we need to flag the issues which hinder our functioning. There is no meaning in camouflaging or hiding the problems. If we don’t discuss these issues, if matters of pressing concern are not addressed, then the system will cripple. I fear, we may be unable to fulfill our constitutional mandate of social justice. I urge you therefore, to discuss, debate and decide! This is the principle I have been following all through," said CJI Ramana.
He stressed upon the role of district judiciary and said that it is the "backbone of justice delivery system" in India. "The District Judicial officers are the first point of contact for much of the population. Public opinion about the judiciary is primarily based on their experiences with the district judiciary. This casts a great responsibility on your shoulders. You must undertake multifaceted tasks and roles. You are best placed to understand people’s problems and social issues," he said, adding that strengthening the district judiciary is the need of the hour.
Urging for a pro-active role, the CJI said that the district judiciary is the driving force behind the legal aid movement in India. Stressing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on the function on the need of early release of under trial prisoners languishing in jails, the CJI also asked the district judicial officers to take a pro-active stand on this regard.
"One of the most important aspects which calls for your active consideration and intervention is in relation to the condition of undertrials. The Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Learned Attorney General have also rightly flagged this issue in the recently held conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices. I am happy to note that NALSA is actively collaborating with all stakeholders in securing much deserved relief for under trials," said the CJI.
