Prime Minister Modi Emphasises Accessibility of Justice for All

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of accessible justice as a cornerstone of social equity during his inaugural address at a national conference focused on improving legal aid delivery systems. The event also marked the celebration of 'Legal Services Day'.

In his speech, Prime Minister Modi stated that when justice is timely and available to everyone, irrespective of their social or economic standing, it forms the basis of social justice. He noted that the ease of conducting business and the quality of life can only improve when justice is equally accessible.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the government has implemented several initiatives in recent years to make justice more attainable, and he assured that efforts in this regard will intensify in the future.

Highlighting the pivotal role of legal aid, Modi remarked that legal service authorities, operating from the national level down to local areas, serve as vital links between the judiciary and the citizens. He referenced the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System introduced by the Government of India, which has successfully resolved nearly 800,000 criminal cases over the past three years. These initiatives, he asserted, have significantly improved access to justice for the underprivileged and marginalised communities across the nation.

During the conference, Modi also unveiled a community mediation training module aimed at promoting dispute resolution at the grassroots level. He emphasised that technology is becoming an essential tool for inclusion and empowerment in the legal sector, citing the eCourts project as a significant advancement in justice delivery.

“When individuals comprehend the law in their native language, it fosters compliance and reduces litigation. It is crucial that judgments and legal documents are also available in local languages,” Modi stated, commending the Supreme Court's initiative to translate its rulings into 18 different languages.

The Prime Minister further stressed the necessity of legal awareness, asserting that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds cannot access justice unless they are informed about their rights and understand the legal system. He identified the enhancement of legal literacy among vulnerable groups, including women and the elderly, as a key priority.

Modi proposed that law students should engage with rural communities to explain legal rights and processes, which would provide them with a better understanding of societal needs.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai, who also addressed the gathering, shared a poignant reminder: “Whenever we are in doubt, we should recall the face of the poorest and weakest person we have seen and ask ourselves whether the step we contemplate will be of any use to them.” He described this approach as a manifestation of Gandhiji’s philosophy regarding justice.

CJI Gavai articulated the responsibility of judges and legal professionals to ensure that justice reaches even the most marginalised individuals. He noted that while the number of merit cases resolved is often celebrated, the true measure of success lies in the impact of free legal aid on those who benefit from it.

Recalling an experience during a visit to a relief camp in Manipur, the CJI shared an encounter with a young boy who expressed gratitude with a simple phrase, reminding him that the essence of the legal services movement is rooted in the silent appreciation of those who were once overlooked.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also spoke at the event, while CJI designate Justice Surya Kant delivered the welcome address and Justice Vikram Nath concluded with the vote of thanks.