The Supreme Court of India marked its 75th anniversary with the commencement of a two-day national conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam.
The event was highlighted by the release of a commemorative coin and stamp, symbolizing the judiciary’s monumental journey in India’s democratic framework.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud presided over the conference.
PM Modi Highlights Judiciary’s Role In ‘Viksit Bharat’ & Calls For Swift Justice
The Prime Minister emphasized that the 75 years of the Supreme Court represent more than just the evolution of an institution; they signify the maturation of India as a democracy and the steadfastness of its constitutional values.
He further praised the unwavering trust that the people of India have placed in the judiciary, noting that this trust enhances India’s reputation as the ‘Mother of Democracy.’
Prime Minister Modi also reflected on India’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ during its Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, stating that the judiciary is a vital pillar supporting this vision.
He underscored the significant progress made in judicial infrastructure over the past decade, with nearly 8,000 crore rupees invested; 75% of the total funds spent on judicial infrastructure in the last 25 years.
PM Modi also called for faster resolution of cases, particularly those involving crimes against women and children, asserting that swift justice would bolster societal confidence in the legal system.
Conference Focuses On Empowering District Courts & Judicial Infrastructure
Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, addressed the conference, raising concerns about the low judge-to-population ratio in India and the heavy burden on district courts.
He advocated for empowering district courts, describing them as the backbone of the judiciary.
Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the government’s collaborative efforts with the judiciary over the past decade to promote both ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Ease of Justice.’
The conference focuses on enhancing the infrastructure and human resources of the district judiciary, which CJI Chandrachud called the ‘spine of the justice system.’
He called for an end to the colonial mindset of referring to district courts as subordinate courts, emphasizing their crucial role as the first point of contact for citizens seeking justice.
The CJI highlighted the achievements of the e-Courts project, including the digitization of 464.8 million pages of court records in 2023-2024 and the computerization of over 3,500 court complexes and 22,000 courtrooms.
The conference will continue with discussions on judicial security, case management, and judicial training, with President Droupadi Murmu likely to address the concluding session on 1 September.
Supreme Court judges, Attorney General R Venkataramani, and over 800 participants from district courts across India attend the event, reflecting broad engagement with the judiciary at all levels.
Also Read: PM Modi Calls For Enhanced Safety Measures For Women Following Kolkata Hospital Incident
