Patil for alternative dispute settlement mechanism

Thane (Maharashtra), June27 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil today called for introducing mobile courts in remote areas and alternative dispute settlement mechanism in order to make justice affordable and accessible to weaker sections of society.

Speaking after inaugurating the Maharashtra Judicial Academy at Uttan in Thane District, Patil expressed concern over the increase in court and lawyers fees.

The academy has been established by the Bombay High Court to train members of the higher and lower judicial services.

Calling for immediate changes in the country's judicial system Patil asked the Government, the Legislature, and the Judiciary to work together to strengthen the institutional aspect. The Indian judiciary needed to be more transparent, effective and people oriented, she added.

She also expressed her concern over the problems faced by litigants due to the backlog of cases pending before the various courts.

The President called for promoting training in cyber laws, environmental laws, intellectual property rights and gender sensitivity and implementation of E-courts in order to better management.

She told members of the judicial service that they needed to work with commitment and responsibility as people continue to repose great hope on the judiciary. (ANI)