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Synopsis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2024 Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) - Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) in New Delhi today. The theme of the conference was  "Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery".

Addressing the gathering of legal minds from across the globe including Attorney Generals and Solicitors from the Commonwealth nations spanning the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean along with various international delegations, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the paramount importance of justice in Indian philosophy.

He quoted an ancient saying. PM Modi said, "Justice has been given great importance in Indian thoughts. Ancient Indian thinkers said—'Nyaayamoolam svaraajyam syaat', which means that justice is at the root of independent self-governance. Without justice, even the existence of a nation is not possible". 

Discussing the conference's theme, he said that a collaborative effort is needed among countries to ensure justice within a nation. He stressed that understanding each other's legal systems fosters synergy, leading to improved and faster justice delivery.

"When we collaborate, we can understand each other’s systems better. Greater understanding brings greater synergy. Synergy boosts better and faster justice delivery,” PM Modi said.

Further, discussing the contemporary challenges, Prime Minister Modi pointed towards the evolving nature of crime, citing vast criminal networks, technological advancements, economic crimes, and the rise of cryptocurrency and cyber threats.

He stressed that the issues of the 21st century cannot be tackled with a 20th-century approach. There is a need to rethink, reimagine, and reform including modernizing legal systems, making the system more flexible and adaptable, he emphasised. 

He said that sometimes, ensuring justice in one country requires working with other countries. "When we collaborate, we can understand, each other's systems better. Greater understanding brings greater synergy. Synergy boost better and faster justice delivery.  Therefore, such platforms and conferences are important. Our systems already work with each other in many domains like that of air and maritime traffic control," he highlighted. 

The Prime Minister outlined measures taken in India, including abolishing obsolete colonial-era laws and introducing new legislations, focusing on justice rather than mere punishment.

"Earlier, the focus was on punishment and penal aspects. Now, the focus is on ensuring justice...Therefore, citizens have a sense of assurance rather than fear," he said. 

PM Modi advocated for inclusive legal education, encouraging increased participation of women in law schools and the legal profession. He emphasized the need for adaptability in legal education, keeping pace with changing times and technologies.

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi asserted that a shared passion for justice is the key to addressing challenges in justice delivery globally. He called on nations to work together.

"We must share our passion for justice...Let us build a world where everyone has access to timely justice and none is left behind," he said.

Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice D Y Chandrachud, Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Judge of Supreme Court of India, Justice Surya Kant, Attorney General for India, Dr R Venkataramani, Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta and President of Commonwealth Legal Education Association Prof. Dr S Sivakumar were present on the occasion. other dignitaries were present at the inauguration.