The West Zone Regional Conference on Enhancing Access to Justice has highlighted a principle that should remain at the heart of every legal system: justice is meaningful only when it is accessible, timely, affordable and humane. A citizen who is unable to understand the legal process or reach the right institution cannot truly enjoy the protection of law.
The Chief Justice of India rightly emphasised that the pain of victims must be understood in their own language and with genuine sensitivity. Legal assistance should begin with listening. Before offering a solution, institutions must make people feel that their concerns are being heard and respected.
The release of legal service material in Hindi, Braille and Indian Sign Language is a welcome step towards inclusion. Such initiatives can help persons with disabilities, poor citizens, women, children and members of marginalised communities understand and access their legal rights without depending entirely on others.
The launch of the mediation certificate course and the Justice to Children Litigation Fellowship is equally significant. Mediation can resolve many family, neighbourhood and partnership disputes through dialogue and mutual consent, while reducing pressure on courts. Children involved in legal proceedings also need specialised support that protects both their rights and dignity.
Madhya Pradesh has taken an important step by starting four new fast track courts for the speedy hearing of cases related to paper leaks and fraud. Technology based measures such as electronic filing, virtual hearings, digital records and electronic first information reports can further improve efficiency, provided they remain accessible to citizens who are less familiar with digital systems.
The real challenge is to reach those who do not approach courts because of poverty, fear, distance or lack of awareness. Para legal volunteers and legal service institutions have a vital role in identifying such people and helping them obtain their rightful assistance.
Justice is not charity. It is a constitutional right. The success of this conference will ultimately be measured not by the number of programmes launched, but by whether the weakest and most vulnerable citizens feel that the justice system stands with them.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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