Manipur views the Supreme Court judges’ visit with both hope and skepticism. The visit gains significance as neither the Prime Minister nor the Home Minister has set foot in the state since May 2023. Many see it as a chance for justice, while others doubt its impact. The situation highlights the government’s continued absence from the conflict-hit region.
NALSA has launched a national competition for law students called ‘Connecting with the Cause’ to promote legal awareness. The initiative encourages students to engage with legal issues and raise awareness about the importance of justice. The competition aims to inspire young lawyers to be more involved in serving society. It is a great opportunity for law students to contribute to social causes and strengthen their legal knowledge.
The 4th National Lok Adalat of 2024 resolved 1.45 crore cases, enhancing access to justice and reducing court burdens. Guided by Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Bhushan Gavai, it successfully addressed disputes across various areas. This initiative highlights growing public confidence in alternative dispute resolution, particularly benefiting marginalized communities.
Today, On 3rd December, the Supreme Court mandated Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in all government departments and public sector undertakings to uphold the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act. Emphasizing strict enforcement for women’s dignity, the Court outlined compliance measures and set a deadline for implementation by March 31, 2025.
The Supreme Court today (23rd Oct) highlighted the necessity of enhancing legal aid awareness for prisoners by mandating the display of legal aid information in public places. The court urged collaboration between legal services authorities to implement effective aid frameworks, promote local language literature, and conduct campaigns, ensuring access to justice for all, especially the marginalized.
The 3rd National Lok Adalat successfully resolved 1.14 crore cases, easing the burden on courts and promoting settlements outside traditional litigation. The event, led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, facilitated amicable dispute resolution, contributing to enhancing the efficiency of India’s justice system. The strong public participation reflects growing trust in Lok Adalats.
Today, On 10th September, The Supreme Court directed States and Union Territories to promptly inform convicts of remission decisions and their right to appeal. It urged the National Legal Services Authority to provide prompt legal assistance for challenging rejection orders. The Court emphasized efficient case disposal, granting bail, and relaxing bail conditions for undertrial prisoners.
India’s low annual spending on free legal aid, at just 0.75 paise per person, is highlighted in the ‘India Justice Report, 2019’ by Tata Trust. The Parliamentary Standing Committee calls for increased funding for legal services authorities, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance Grant-in-aid for NALSA. This comes amid concerns about underutilization of Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and a high percentage of undertrial prisoners in India.
