Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that an independent and strong judiciary was sine qua non to uphold the people’s faith in democracy.
Speaking during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Gauhati High Court, which was established in 1948, the Minister acknowledged the important role played by this High Court in delivering landmark judgments on public issues, particularly those related to the rights of tribal people in the North East.
He said the core of rule of law and civilised society was equitable and timely justice. Even the Preamble of the country started with the word ‘justice’.
To ensure this commitment did not remain mere words, the Law ministry was committed to do its utmost, added Rijiju.
He said under the guidance of the President, visionary leadership of the Prime Minister and stewardship of the Chief Justice of India, the country would be able to uphold the constitutional principles of equity, justice & fairness, and march boldly during this Amrit Kaal.
Everyone was striving to make India a developed nation on its 100 years of independence in 2047, claimed the Union Minister.
Due to the praiseworthy collaboration between the government and judiciary, concerted efforts have been made to provide a favourable environment to the judiciary by improving the physical infrastructure of district and lower courts, he noted.
As per Rijiju, strategic, comprehensive and collective steps were being taken, including increasing the judicial strength, to tackle the protracted issue of pendency.
The Minister praised the launch of ‘Bhoroxa’ mobile application during the event, which was aimed at ensuring safety of women.
He noted that justice and women’s safety were critical components to create a fair and just society.
Noting the good work done by the Gauhati High Court, he highlighted the successful operationalisation of 21 out of 31 Fast Track Special Courts in Assam and Nagaland, resulting in the disposal of 2836 cases.
Talking about pendency, he said 59,245 cases were pending in the Gauhati High Court, 5,696 in Mizoram and 3007 in Nagaland. He said he hoped that efforts were underway in Arunachal Pradesh to come on board the National Judicial Data Grid.
President Draupadi Murmu, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, State Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta, among others, attended the event.