CJI for speedy delivery of justice to needy, poor

Srinagar, June 18 (UNI) Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan today asked state Chief Ministers to provide better infrastructure for courts to enhance the efficacy of justice delivery system.

Launching a legal awareness campaign here, he said the institution of 'nyay adhikaris' (judicial officers) would help in speedy disposal of cases at village level and also create awareness among the people about their legal rights.

Justice Balakrishnan called for sensitising judicial officers to make justice delivery system accessible to the poor and needy.

''The judiciary system is essentially based on the principles of natural justice and unless the system is made accessible to the poor and needy, it will lag behind in providing justice to all.'' He said Legal Services Authorities have been formed for this purpose so that the affected people, poor and deserving get their legal rights protected.

Justice Balakrishnan said a national legal service literacy campaign was launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about two years ago to create awareness among the people about their rights and also to make free legal aid service available to them.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, in his address, gave a resume of historical evolution of justice system in the world and suggested measures for reducing delay in its delivery.

The poor, needy and destitute must be provided legal aid to protect their rights, he added.

Gen Sinha also suggested a mechanism for expediting the police verification to enhance justice delivery. Instead of taking recourse to prolonged deliberations, minor cases could be resolved in minimum time if police functioning was reformed, he added.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said confidence in judicial system hinged on the expectations that justice was delivered expeditiously, effectively and transparently.

He said speedy justice was a fundamental right flowing from the right to life. ''It is our duty to render fearless, impartial and quick justice to the needy,'' Mr Azad added.

UNI