Read Time: 07 minutes

Synopsis

At the inauguration of the two-day National Conference of the District Judiciary on August 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling address. He highlighted the new era of India’s judicial system which is marked by significant technological innovations and legal reforms.

Speaking to an audience of over 800 participants from the district judiciary across all states and union territories, PM Modi outlined a vision for a future-ready justice system driven by innovation and inclusivity.

The Prime Minister began by highlighting the transformative impact of digitalization on the judiciary, noting that recent technological innovations have significantly accelerated judicial processes and alleviated the challenges faced by lawyers and litigants alike. “The innovation in technology has not only sped up judicial processes but has also rapidly reduced the difficulties of everyone from lawyers to litigants,” he asserted. This remark underscored the administration’s commitment to streamlining legal procedures and improving accessibility.

Central to his speech was the country’s ongoing legal reforms.

PM Modi praised the Supreme Court’s committee for its crucial role in advancing court digitalization efforts which aim to create a unified technology platform incorporating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). “We are moving towards a justice system that is fully future-ready,” PM Modi declared, emphasizing that these technologies will enhance the analysis of pending cases and streamline forensic operations, thus accelerating the judicial process.

The Prime Minister’s address also covered the significant legal reforms, reflecting a major overhaul in the country’s legal framework.

For the first time in seven decades of independence, the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) represents a profound shift in Indian criminal law. This new legal code is designed with the principles of “Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First” at its core, he highlighted.

The Prime Minister lauded the BNS for eliminating outdated colonial-era laws, such as the controversial sedition law, which had long been "a relic of British rule".

“Our criminal laws have been freed from the colonial mindset of ruler and slave,” PM Modi noted, positioning the BNS as a modern framework aimed at providing security and justice rather than mere punishment.

Addressing specific issues, Modi highlighted new measures targeting crimes against women and children, describing them as a “major concern for society.” He pointed to the establishment of fast-track special courts and deposition centers for critical witnesses as key steps in addressing these issues. Additionally, he highlighted the introduction of community service as a penalty for minor offences.

Concluding his speech, Modi expressed optimism about the outcomes of the conference, hoping it would yield valuable insights and solutions for further strengthening the justice system. He underscored the importance of proactive measures, especially in cases involving atrocities against women, to boost public confidence in the judicial system. “The faster the decisions come in cases related to atrocities against women, the more confidence the half of the population will get,” he emphasized.

The inaugural function was also attended by Chief Justice of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice among other dignitaries.

President Draupadi Murmu will deliver the valedictory address on September 1, during which she will unveil the new flag and insignia of the Supreme Court.