Read Time: 04 minutes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a virtual function earmarking the Diamond Jubilee of Gujarat High Court.

He stated that the Indian bar and judiciary has always upheld principles of justice and Rule of Law.

"Our justice system should be accessible to every citizen of the country without latches and delay. The Government also envisions to uphold these tenets. Our courts have protected the rights of its citizens in the most difficult times," said the Prime Minister at the virtual address which was also attended by Law Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Supreme Court Judge, Justice MR Shah and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, among other legal luminaries.

“It makes us proud that our Supreme Court has heard the most number of cases through video conferencing in the world. Our High Courts and District Courts have also carried out a large number of e-proceedings during Covid-19," Mr. Prime Minister added.

Our justice system is moving ahead with futuristic adaptability and the efficiency of judiciary will get greater impetus with Artificial Intelligence, he said. 

"Artificial Intelligence will increase the efficiency of judiciary and speed.  Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan will work in tandem with this process," said the Prime Minister

While focussing on the aspect of e-courts and online hearings, the Prime Minister added that the Ease of Justice got a new dimension by e-filing of cases, Unique Identification Code and QR code for cases, which led to setting up of National Judicial Data Grid.

Further, the Prime Minister stated that the way Supreme Court started hearing cases as soon as the Lockdown was announced through video conferencing mode and effectuated e-filings etc., reiterates that the Indian justice system is highly adaptive.

"Over 18000 Courts computerised; new momentum in e-proceedings in court after the Supreme Court giving legal sanctity to tele-conferencing and video conferencing"
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi

He also added that the Gujarat High Court is the first high court which started lives streaming of its cases on youtube.