Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, August 31, emphasized the critical need for faster justice in cases involving crimes against women, asserting that swift legal proceedings are essential for ensuring their safety and confidence. Speaking at the inaugural session of a national conference for the district judiciary, Modi underscored that a speedy judicial process is crucial for addressing atrocities against women and ensuring public trust in the legal system.
Wake Of Recent Shocking High-Profile Cases
Modi’s comments come in the wake of recent high-profile cases that have shocked the nation, including the alleged rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata and the sexual assault of two kindergarten girls in Thane. These incidents have intensified calls for stricter measures and quicker legal responses to such crimes.
Improved Coordination Essential With Existing Laws
“The faster justice is delivered in cases of atrocities against women, the greater assurance half of the population will have about their safety,” Modi stated. He highlighted that while stringent laws are already in place to address these issues, improving coordination among different parts of the criminal justice system is vital for ensuring that these laws are effectively enforced.
Centre’s Response To Mamata Banerjee
Furthermore, the Prime Minister’s remarks align with ongoing debates about the effectiveness of current legal frameworks. Recently, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had urged the central government to implement tougher legislation and stricter punishments for heinous crimes like rape and murder. In response, the central government emphasized that existing laws are robust but stressed the need for state-level compliance to strengthen the justice system.
Chief Justice Of India Supports Modi’s Call For Justice
In his address, Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud supported Modi’s call for faster justice, describing the district judiciary as the “backbone” of the legal system. He criticized the outdated view of district courts as subordinate and called for a shift in perception. “The district judiciary is the first point of contact for a citizen seeking justice. It is crucial to stop viewing it as subordinate and recognize its vital role in the rule of law,” Justice Chandrachud said.
CJI Highlights Advancements In Judicial Infrastructure
Justice Chandrachud also highlighted significant advancements in judicial infrastructure, including the digitization of court records and the implementation of the e-courts project. He noted that over 46 crore pages of court records have been scanned, and district courts have handled 2.3 crore cases through video conferencing. These efforts reflect the judiciary’s commitment to modernizing and improving access to justice.