Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Sunday (September 1) called for collective efforts to break the perception of the Indian judiciary system that it suffers from the “taarikh pe taarikh culture” and also asserted such efforts will strengthen the trust factor among citizens. The Minister also proposed a critical analysis of ‘aging of pending litigation’.
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NEW DELHI: Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, speaking on Sunday, September 1, emphasized the need for a collective effort to dismantle the widespread perception that the Indian judiciary is plagued by a “taarikh pe taarikh culture.”
He stressed that overcoming this perception is essential for bolstering the public’s trust in the judicial system.
During his address at the valedictory session of the national conference of district judiciary in New Delhi, attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Meghwal proposed a critical examination of the “aging of pending litigation.”
He highlighted that an analysis of aging cases and the consolidation of similar cases could be instrumental in reducing the backlog in the courts. He also praised certain high courts that have already implemented such systems effectively.
The Law Minister reiterated his ministry’s commitment to achieving the goal of “justice for all,” with a focus on ensuring that justice is “affordable, speedy, and technology-enabled,” and accessible to citizens at their doorstep.
“It is the collective responsibility of all those present at the programme to break the common perception that the justice delivery system has a ‘taarikh pe taarikh culture,'”
-Meghwal stated, underscoring the need for unified action.
Additionally, Meghwal called for the-
“Creation of an ecosystem where even the ‘Last person in the queue’ feels that they are receiving justice. Such efforts would significantly enhance the ‘trust factor’ within the judicial system, making it more robust and reliable for all citizens.”
The remarks made by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlight some critical issues and proposed solutions concerning the Indian judiciary system. The analysis of his statements reveals several underlying themes and implications:
Meghwal’s call to break the perception of a “taarikh pe taarikh culture” addresses a long-standing criticism of the Indian judicial system—its perceived inefficiency due to frequent delays and adjournments. This perception has eroded public trust in the judiciary, making it essential to not only tackle the actual causes of delays but also to change how the system is viewed by the public.
The Minister’s focus on this issue signals an acknowledgment of the problem and a commitment to restoring faith in the legal system.
By proposing a critical analysis of the “aging of pending litigation,” Meghwal is advocating for a more data-driven approach to judicial reform. Aging analysis, which examines the duration for which cases have been pending, could provide insights into systemic inefficiencies.
The suggestion to club similar cases is another practical step towards reducing pendency. These proposed reforms indicate a push towards making the judiciary more efficient and responsive.
Meghwal’s vision of “affordable, speedy, and technology-enabled” justice reflects a broader trend towards digitization in governance. Technology has the potential to streamline judicial processes, reduce delays, and make the system more accessible to the common citizen.
This aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize the judiciary through e-courts, digital case management systems, and other technological interventions.
The Minister’s call for collective responsibility emphasizes that reforming the judiciary is not just the job of the courts or the government but requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including legal professionals, policymakers, and even the public.
His reference to ensuring that the “last person in the queue” feels they are receiving justice points to a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the justice system works for everyone, not just those with resources or influence.
While Meghwal’s proposals are commendable, they also come with significant challenges. Implementing systemic changes, especially in a large and complex judiciary like India’s, requires coordination across various levels of government and the judiciary.
Resistance to change, especially from those who benefit from the status quo, could also be a barrier. Furthermore, the success of technological interventions depends on adequate infrastructure, training, and public acceptance.
Overall, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal’s remarks reflect a recognition of the problems plaguing the Indian judiciary and a commitment to addressing them through systematic reforms. His emphasis on breaking the “taarikh pe taarikh culture,” utilizing technology, and fostering collective responsibility suggests a multifaceted approach to judicial reform.
However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and the willingness of all stakeholders to embrace change.
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