While speaking at the inauguration ceremony of two new wings of the annexe building of the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court, Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju said today that a robust judiciary is of "utmost importance" to make our democracy successful.

"The Centre will provide Rs 5,357 crore for constructing 3,800 court halls and 4,000 residential units for judicial officers. We have made a provision for 1,450 lawyers' halls. The government will construct 1,450 toilet complexes. There will be 3,800 digital computer rooms," the Minister said during the function.

The Minister was underlining various decisions taken by the Centre to improve the judicial infrastructure in the country.

The Minister said that it was the responsibility of the Union government to ensure that the judiciary is not only extended full support, but is also made robust. He also called for a "harmonious relationship" between the judiciary, executive and the legislature.

"A robust judiciary is of utmost importance to make our democracy successful. We have taken many decisions to provide support to (judicial) infrastructure, which is core," he said.

In the last Cabinet meeting, the Centre has taken various decisions. One of the important decisions was to sanction Rs. 9,000 crore for the development of the infrastructure of the lower judiciary, the Minister said.

Kiren Rijiju also said that a provision has also been made for the betterment of Gram Nyayalayas (courts in villages). As part of the 'E-Court Mission Mode Project, 18,735 courts have been computerised so far, the Minister added.

He said that litigants can access the information of 19.43 crore cases and more than 15.50 crore orders and judgments.

"Digital India is the mainstay and in the process, the digital judiciary will be equally important. Many steps have been taken already," he said, adding that virtual courts have been set up at various locations.

The Law and Justice Minister said that a common citizen should not struggle to get justice. "It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that the gap between justice and the common man must reduce as much as possible," he said.

Acknowledging constraints, challenges and limitations, Rijiju also said "a genuine effort will make some advancement."

"We all are working for our nation. We all are committed to giving justice to the people of this great nation. We are a team. We are just different organs of our system," he added.

Kiren Rijiju also said that the Supreme Court has emerged as a global leader with over 96,239 virtual hearings till July 9, 2021. "The Supreme Court has taken a leadership role in ensuring the delivery of justice during the pandemic. In this duration, district courts heard 97.25 lakh cases while the high court heard 51.38 lakh cases till October 11 this year. The Supreme Court emerged as a global leader with over 96,239 virtual hearings till July 9, 2021," he added.



With PTI inputs

Kiren Rijiju

Verdictum News Desk