Explore alternate dispute resolution mechanism to address delay:CJ

Jaipur, Dec 16 (UNI) Chief Justice of India Y K Sabharwal today asked the legal fraternity to explore the possibilities of the alternate dispute resolution mechanism to address the issue of inordinate delay in dispensing justice to the common man and also appealed for adoption of a 'new work culture and sensitivity' to the fundamental right of a citizen to get speedy justice.

Speaking after inaugurating the newly-constructed building of the Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court here, the CJI, referring to the large number of pending cases in Indian courts, said the court had to adher to a time schedule in delivering justice and has to be sensitive to sentiments of the people.

Refering to some sensational cases involving clebrities and politicans for which judgments were deliverd recently, Mr Sabharwal termed it ''absurd'' to pronounce judgements after 15 to 20 years after a case was filed. ''It is harassment for the complainant and the accused,'' he said.

The CJI said the experiment of 'evening courts' in Gujarat and 'double shift system' introduced in Madhya Pradesh were commendable in reducing the pendency of cases.

Union Law and Justice Minister Hans Raj Bharadwaj said the Centre would help the state governments in the upgradation of the basic infrastructure for courts. ''The centre and the state would share the burden of upgradation of the legal system in states,'' he said, noting that a Rs 1,000 crore computerisation programme is on for the computerisation of the High Courts and the subordiate courts.

The Minister asked the Bar Council to set up accademies for the upgrading skills of the young lawyers. He said the condition of the legal system in the rural areas requires urgent attention and the law ministers of the states were meeting in Hyderabad to deliberate on the issue in January 16.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje elaborated the efforts made by the state government to strengthen the infrastructure in the state. She said acxquisition of land for the construction of a new High Court building in Jodhpur in the process.

Spreme Court judges Justice AK Mathur, Justice K G Balakrishan, and Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice SN Jha were among the legal luminaries present on the occassion.

UNI PJJ VD HT1728