President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said that it was a "sad aspect" of our social life that, sometimes, the accused, with resources, continue to roam around fearlessly and freely even after committing crimes while the victims live in fear "as if those poor people have committed some crime." Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary organized by the apex court, President Murmu said that when court verdicts in heinous crimes like rape come after a generation has passed, the common man feels that the "judicial process lacks sensitivity.".
She pointed out that the village poor are afraid to approach the court, and participation in the process of justice is under much compulsion. "Often they silently tolerate the injustice as they believe the fight for justice can make their lives more miserable. For them, going away from the village to the court even once becomes a cause of great mental and financial pressure," she added.
Meanwhile, the President called for "every possible measure to change the culture of adjournment," citing that many people cannot even fathom the pain that poor people go through due to this situation.
In her speech, President Murmu also recommended evaluating and upgrading the health and education status of the children in prison with their mothers. She further said there is a need to take measures for changing the mindset of juvenile delinquents and improvement of mental health. Useful skills, she further stated should be imparted to them along with facility for free legal aid.
Pending cases is another problem which has been highlighted by the President, categorically stating the burden of judiciary as some cases are pending since more than 32 years, and thus, such programmes like special Lok Adalat weeks must be organized with more frequency. She also said that justice should be provided in the local language and according to local conditions to achieve the ideal of taking justice to the doorstep of every person.
"The judiciary, government, and police administration must work collectively to find solutions to issues concerning evidence and witnesses," the President added.
On the occasion, President Murmu also unveiled the new flag and insignia of the Supreme Court to commemorate the 75th year of its establishment, observing that the Supreme Court has made an invaluable contribution as a vigilant sentinel of the judicial system of the world's largest democracy. Because of the Supreme Court, Indian jurisprudence holds a very respectable place, she added.
She was pleased that many programmes, organized by the Supreme Court on the completion of 75 years of its establishment, had enhanced the peoples' faith in and bonding with our judicial system.
President Murmu reaffirmed that the people treated every judge in the country as God and that every judge and judicial officer in the country is duty-bound morally to adhere to dharma, truth, and justice. The district-level courts determine the image of the judiciary in the minds of crores of citizens. Therefore, providing justice to the people through the district courts with sensitivity and promptness and at a low cost is the basis of the success of our judiciary," she said.
The President drew attention, "During the past several years, substantial efforts have been made to improve infrastructure, facilities, training and human resources of district judiciary though a lot remains to be done in all these areas.
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