National Conference Of District Judiciary: PM Modi Says Faster Verdicts Needed On Crimes Against Women

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a two-day National Conference of District Judiciary at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday. The event saw the presence of Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal.

In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court's 75-year journey. He stated, "75 years of the Supreme Court, this is not just the journey of an institution. This is the journey of the Constitution of India and its constitutional values. This is the journey of India becoming more mature as a democracy. The people of India have never distrusted the Indian judiciary and the Supreme Court. Therefore, these 75 years of the Supreme Court further enhance the glory of India as the Mother of Democracy...I can say with confidence that SC has upheld the trust and faith we have in our institution."

Focus on Women's Safety

Addressing women's safety concerns, PM Modi remarked, "Today, atrocities against women, safety of children... are serious concerns of society. Many strict laws have been made in the country for the safety of women, but we need to make it more active. The faster decisions are taken in cases related to atrocities against women, the greater assurance of safety half the population will get."

The Prime Minister also unveiled a commemorative stamp and coin marking 75 years since the establishment of India's Supreme Court during this event.

Role and Challenges in District Judiciary

CJI DY Chandrachud presented a memento to PM Modi at the inauguration. In his address, CJI Chandrachud emphasised that district judiciary often serves as both first and final contact for litigants with law. He said, "Statistics on the National judicial data grid shows the district judiciary is often the final point of contact a litigant has with the law and not just the first contact. The Arc of pending cases is defined as a triangle and it is larger at the base and tapers towards the end."

CJI Chandrachud also stressed on improving working conditions for judges to maintain public confidence in judiciary. He added that calling district judiciary 'subordinate' reflects a colonial mindset which needs to change.

Conference Sessions

The conference organised by India's Supreme Court includes over 800 participants from district judiciaries across all States and Union Territories. Five working sessions will cover topics like infrastructure, human resources, inclusive courtrooms for all, judicial security and wellness, caste management, and judicial training.

The session on "Infrastructure and Human Resources" aims to explore ways to enhance infrastructure and human capital for district judiciary.

The conference provides an opportunity for district judges to discuss challenges they face while ensuring justice delivery remains efficient.

This event underscores India's commitment to strengthening its judicial system at all levels.