Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said the Centre is working hard to ensure citizens get a justice system which reflects values and ideals enshrined in the Constitution.
A big step forward in this direction is structural reforms of the judicial system, he said in his address at the 22nd annual convocation of National Law School of India University here.
He said once the states endorse the constitutional amendment of National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill which was unanimously passed in both houses of Parliament, the law would mark the beginning of a new participatory process, with increased transparency in selection of judges, while maintaining judicial independence and predominance.
"This was a process for which the wheels were set in motion at least two decades ago. We are now committed to developing the databank of the performance of young lawyers so that the best talent is considered for appointment as judges," he added.
The convocation was presided over by Justice R M Lodha, Chief Justice of India and NLSI Chancellor. It was also attended by sitting and retired judges of Supreme Court and State High Courts and representatives from the Bar Council.
Prasad said not only was a transparent and independent justice system required, "we also must address the fact that the justice delivery system itself is weighed down with issues of pendency and backlog of cases."
The Minister said this was problem that concerns not only members of legal profession, but more importantly the public at large, which is looking for much more efficiency in dispensation of justice.
The two major contributing factors to pendency, he said, are the inadequate number of judges (vacancies) coupled with infrastructure deficiencies.
"Many of you (students) may become judges and I encourage you to aspire towards that, but be the kind of judge or advocate that simplifies the experience for the litigants, and demystifies the judicial process so that he or she is satisfied and feels that justice has been served."
Admitting that a large number of vacancies continues to be a problem at both the subordinate and High Court level, he said "on a more positive note, I'm pleased to announce that there has been an in principle approval to increase in the sanctioned strength of High Courts by 25 per cent."
"The High Courts have begun the process of sending in proposals regarding the same. We look forward to having this develop quickly and will keep everyone up to date on its progress," he added.
