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Speaking at an event organized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to felicitate Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju raised the issue of pendency of cases in lower courts, and said that, "...if you look closely, we need to look at lower courts with urgency. When a person from a humble background expects justice, he gives up everything for the sake of justice. He sells off his land, his house, everything. If that justice gets delayed, then it’s a big question mark on all of us."

Stating that pendency in lower courts is a matter that needs to be prioritized due to its importance to the common man, he said, "We have to ensure that the common man is given priority when we talk about justice delivery mechanism in our country. Denying justice beyond a period of three years is a real delay and by that time justice may not even be needed."

Further, assuring support to the judiciary from the Union, he said, "The government will not only strengthen the independence of judiciary but also provide support to the same."

Announcing that the Union Cabinet has approved several infrastructure development proposals for lower courts, he said, "In the last cabinet meeting, we took some important decisions to support the infrastructure, especially in lower courts. We have sanctioned creation of important infrastructure such as courtrooms, lawyers' halls, bathrooms, digital rooms etc.," and further reassured that he would also try to facilitate support from State Governments for lawyers and judges.

Recounting his first interaction with CJI Ramana, he shared, "When I met CJI Ramana for the first time, I did not know him a lot. I had heard about him from friends and media. In our first interaction, I realised that we have a CJI in whom we have full faith and trust," Rijiju said.

"I am privileged to honour somebody who has proven to be a person of high integrity and who is set to create a new dawn in the Indian Judiciary," he added.

Taking into account issues faced by young lawyers who are not backed by the strength of large firms, pointed out to him by the BCI Chairperson, he said, "They deserve to be given support and protection. I commit as the Law Minister to take all necessary steps in this direction."

Remarking that the Supreme Court with its work during the Covid-19 pandemic period has "set an example for many other nations," he said, "It has taken a huge stride by taking up so many cases and making so many important decisions," he said.

On the same lines, Rijiju said that in fact "pendency in lower courts is an issue that needs to be addressed with urgency," even though "people keep raising the issue of pendency of cases in the Supreme Court and High Courts."