Challenge faced by the Indian judiciary
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice DY Chandrachud addressed an event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day at the Supreme Court premises.
- CJI Chandrachud highlighted that the most significant challenge faced by the Indian judiciary is the elimination of obstacles to accessing justice. He emphasized that the effectiveness of courts is measured by their ability to fulfill their Constitutional responsibilities.
- During the Independence Day celebrations organized by the SCBA, the CJI stressed the urgency of revamping court infrastructure to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
- Looking ahead, CJI Chandrachud expressed that the judiciary’s primary challenge is to remove barriers to justice. He outlined the need to improve both procedural and substantive access to justice, ensuring citizens can approach courts without hindrance and have confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice.
- CJI Chandrachud provided insights into the plan to expand the Supreme Court as part of modernizing the judicial infrastructure to meet future demands. The plan includes the construction of a new building with additional courts, judges’ chambers, registrar court rooms, and facilities for legal professionals and litigants.
- The expansion will occur in two phases: demolishing the museum and annexe building to create space for 15 courtrooms, chambers, libraries, and other necessary amenities in the first phase, and then expanding the new building to accommodate 12 courtrooms, chambers, and additional facilities in the next phase.
- The CJI noted that the new building will symbolize the Constitutional aspirations of the people and provide a conducive environment for accessing justice.
- CJI Chandrachud, a proponent of technological advancements in the judiciary, stressed the significance of technology in enhancing judicial processes and transparency.
- He highlighted the ongoing implementation of the third phase of the e-courts project aimed at leveraging technology to overcome procedural barriers to justice.
- CJI Chandrachud remarked that while post-independence India inherited opaque and impersonal legal traditions, the courts have evolved to prioritize human interest and respond to individuals’ needs regardless of their background.
- He emphasized the importance of judicial institutions being capable of meeting public expectations and maintaining their independence and integrity. He urged judges and lawyers to conduct themselves in ways that inspire confidence in the legal processes’ legitimacy.
- The CJI announced that the Supreme Court is preparing to release a handbook on countering gender stereotypes in judicial decision-making. He highlighted these efforts as initiatives to self-reflect, challenge biases, and prevent institutional biases from taking root.
