In a significant address at the National Conference on ‘Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanism’ and the observance of Legal Services Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the pivotal role of technology in transforming the accessibility of justice. He highlighted that mediation has been an intrinsic part of Indian society and that technological advancements now make the justice system more reachable to the masses.
Speaking to a diverse audience, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of digital tools in the judicial process.
– Digital Transformation in Judiciary : The Prime Minister pointed out initiatives such as e-Courts, which showcase the power of digitalization in creating a more efficient and inclusive judicial procedure.
– Technological Advancements : He elaborated on the benefits brought by e-filing, virtual hearings, and video conferencing, which have considerably simplified the journey to achieving justice.
Prime Minister Modi also brought attention to the necessity of spreading legal awareness, particularly among the weaker sections of society, women, and the elderly. He urged law students across the nation to take an active role in promoting legal literacy, especially in rural areas where such knowledge is scarce.
Chief Justice’s Insight
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai shared a poignant anecdote, recounting an encounter with a woman in a relief camp in Manipur. This experience, he noted, highlighted the profound impact of legal services beyond mere statistics.
– True Reward of Legal Service : CJI Gavai emphasized that the true essence of legal service lies in the quiet gratitude and renewed faith of citizens rather than numerical data.
– Gandhiji’s Talisman in Action : He remarked that the work of legal services institutions mirrors Gandhiji’s principles, ensuring justice reaches every individual, especially those at the periphery of society.
Government Initiatives for Legal Aid
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal detailed the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance legal aid delivery. He highlighted programs like the Disha scheme and the Tele-Law initiative, which have collectively provided pre-litigation advice to over one crore beneficiaries since their inception in 2017.
– AI and Local Languages : Meghwal added that artificial intelligence-based linguistic tools are being deployed to bolster legal literacy in local languages, thus reinforcing access to justice for all citizens.
The conference served as a platform for discussing the future of legal aid in India, focusing on integrating technology to streamline legal processes and making justice more inclusive and accessible.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.newsx.com/india/pm-modi-stresses-legal-literacy-calls-technology-key-to-inclusive-justice-system-107512/ . It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.