CJI calls for sensitising judicial officers

Srinagar, Jun 19 (UNI) Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan has called for sensitising judicial officers to make the 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 while launching a legal awareness campaign here.

Justice Balakrishnan asked state Chief Ministers to provide better infrastructure for courts across the country to enhance the efficacy of justice delivery system.

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

The Chief Justice 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 make free legal aid service available to them.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, in his address, outlined the historical evolution of the 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 the 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