Judicial reforms will be the key discussion points when Chief Ministers of 29 States and Chief Justices of 24 High Courts get together on Sunday. The last such conference took place in April 2013. The event will be held at Vigyan Bhawan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and adress the event, followed by the release of a joint resolution by the Chief Justice of India and Union law Minister later that day.
Giving a glimpse of the agendas, a law Ministry Press release said, “The agenda includes discussion on development of infrastructure, undertaking judicial reforms, ICT enablement of courts and specific steps required for reduction of arrears and ensuring speedy trial.” The conference will begin with a two-day meeting of CJI and Chief Justices of all High Courts beginning Friday that will culminate with the joint meeting with Chief Ministers. After a two-year gap and with the change of Government at the Centre and in some states, significant decisions are expected to roll out as an action plan will be drawn to reduce pendency, accelerate development of judicial infrastructure, and explore means to expedite trials.
At present, the pendency of cases in trial courts stands at a staggering figure of 2.64 crore while High Courts are burdened with 42 lakh cases with most cases over a decade-old. The conference will strive towards building consensus on a “ National Vision and Mission Plan 2015-20” and will focus on key areas involving building of judicial manpower. With members of the bar refusing offers to become judges on account of inadequate remuneration, the Conference will discuss ways and means to ensure creating a good talent pool for judiciary.