Dynamics of Justice Delivery System

By Vijay Kumar

FromPresident, Dr. A.P.J. Kalam’s address at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur

"Search for truth is the foundation of judiciary"

++ Our judicial system is dynamic and an institution which is throbbing with life catching up societal and technological evolution. As the ultimate protector of human rights and the final resort for dispensation of justice, the citizens of India look up to this institution with hope. Our Society is going through a unique dynamics due to the shortage of leadership with nobility. The only hope the nation cherishes and looks to is the judiciary with its excellence and impeccable integrity. We should do everything to make the judicial system succeed. It is said that a nation fails not because of economic progress but because of an increase in decision makers with small minds.

++ This casts a very heavy responsibility on the entire judicial system to live up to the expectations reposed in it and to maintain the sacred aura attached to it unsullied. Qualities of honesty and integrity are synonymous with each member of the judicial system.

++ Computerization of the High Court and the Subordinate courts is essential for the development of e-Judiciary system. From the time the case is registered, till it is disposed off with judgment, the entire processing must take place electronically. This will enable easy search, retrieval, grouping, information processing, judicial record processing and disposal of the cases in a transparent manner and enable quicker disposal of cases.

++ Make truth prevail irrespective of the level of the stature of the affected parties. Speed of delivery of justice is crucial for citizens. Create a mechanism for handling of societal crimes. Courts have a tendency to give the benefit of doubt to the accused purely due to technical reasons. Here, I am reminded of the famous statement of NaniPalkhivala “law is somewhere and justice is somewhere else”.

++ Take the responsibility to ensure that both law and justice become convergent and point towards the same direction.

++ Our judiciary has a glorious tradition. It has given wholesome meaning and healthy content to our democracy. We have every reason to be proud of our system and I have no doubt that as days go by, our judicial system will go from strength to strength justifying the citizens’ faith in it and their hopes and aspirations for speedy dispensation of justice.