President Murmu Calls for Judiciary Reforms at National Conference

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd Sept. President of India, Droupadi Murmu, addressed the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary organized by the Supreme Court of India on Sunday.

During the event, she unveiled the Supreme Court’s new flag and insignia.

In her address, President Murmu emphasized the Supreme Court’s crucial role in maintaining the integrity of India’s judicial system and praised the contributions of those involved in the judiciary. She highlighted that the district-level courts significantly shape public perception of the judiciary, stressing the need for sensitivity, promptness, and cost-effectiveness in delivering justice.

Murmu acknowledged recent improvements in judicial infrastructure but noted that challenges remain, particularly regarding case pendency and backlog. She advocated for more frequent special Lok Adalat weeks to address these issues and called for reforms to enhance case management.

Addressing the need for localized justice, she proposed exploring justice systems at the local level to match the decentralization seen in Panchayats and Municipalities. The President also pointed out the importance of addressing issues related to evidence and witness coordination among the judiciary, government, and police.

Murmu expressed concern over the slow judicial process in severe crimes and the burdens placed on impoverished litigants. She urged reforms to reduce the culture of adjournment and improve access to justice for marginalized communities.

She praised the Supreme Court’s decision to implement the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita provision retroactively, which allows for the release of first-time offenders and those who have served a third of their maximum sentence. She expressed hope that these reforms will usher in a new era of justice.