Networking of 15,000 courts approved, says Kalam

Jabalpur, Oct 12 (UNI) The government has approved the action plan for connecting all 15,000 courts in the country from the district court to the Supreme Court through wide area network, President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam said today.

''I consider this as a very important step and should be completed through a mission mode/ time bound operation'', the President said while speaking on ''Dynamics of justice delivery system'' at the golden jubilee function of Madhya Pradesh High Court.

He said computerisation of the High Court and the subordinate courts was essential for the development of e-judiciary system. This will enable disposal of cases in a transparent and quick manner and delivery of justice impartial.

Dr Kalam suggested Madhya Pradesh to take up this mission of transforming into e-judiciary.

Pointing out that every citizen wants purity in the system, the President said all eight interfaces in the total system have to be made functional fully to realise a beautiful nation, the nation of transparency. The interfaces include: political leaders, law makers-MPs and MLAs, citizens, administration, police, lawyers and law school, judges and media.

Dr Kalam hailed Chief Justice of India Y K Sabharwal's suggestions for speeding up justice delivery by way of steps like a two-shift system of working in courts and use of IT including video conferencing for recording evidence.

Congratulating the Supreme Court, High Courts and District Courts for taking many innovative actions to speed up justice delivery, he said MP High Court and district courts may take up innovative judicial reforms that will bring fame to the state.

''This action will particularly aim at bringing down the pending cases to one-tenth of present pending cases within next two years''.

Stating that justice should reach large tribal areas, Dr Kalam recommended creation of a number of mobile legal aid and lok adalats in Madhya Pradesh and networking of it. He also suggested age analysis and grouping of cases for disposal of a large number of pending cases in a time-bound manner.

Dr Kalam also appreciated the dispute resolution system developed by Nanaji Deshmukh-led Deendayal Research Institute at Chitrakoot. Eight villages around Chitrakoot have become litigation-free with the residents deciding to sort out differences amicably and not approach the court.

''Extension of this type of model throughout the state may result in the development of a peaceful society in Madhya Pradesh.

Both Bar Association and the judiciary may consider implementing the system'', Dr Kalam added.

UNI SP 1703