PM Modi Calls for Seamless Law Transition; Inaugurates Supreme Court Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
During the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the need for easy access to justice for all Indian citizens. He said the Supreme Court plays a vital role in this and appealed to the top court for inclusion and capacity-building among all stakeholders for the smooth transition from the old to the new legal framework.
New Laws Introduced to Replace Colonial-Era Rules
Our sources tell us that the government has done away with colonial-era criminal laws and brought in new legislation like the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Samhita, Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita, and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. These, yet to be notified, laws will replace the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Indian Evidence Act. PM Modi says this marks the onset of a new era in India’s legal, policing, and investigative systems.
Capacity-building for Seamlessness
The Prime Minister emphasized that the transition from the old regime to the new one must be seamless. He also hailed the start of training and capacity-building programs for government officials that will aid in this transition. PM Modi further urged the Supreme Court to take an active role in capacity-building for all stakeholders.
Ease of Justice & the Role of the Supreme Court
The PM argues that the ease of living, doing business, travel, communication and justice are the nation’s top priorities, and the Supreme Court plays a critical role in delivering ease of justice. He complemented the top court for steadfastly striving to uphold the principles of equality and justice envisaged by the framers of the Indian Constitution.
Fostering a Robust Justice System
According to PM Modi, a robust justice system is instrumental in developing India’s future. He pointed towards the enactment of the Jan Vishwas Bill and the introduction of provisions for alternative dispute resolution as milestones in the evolution of a reliable legal structure.
Digitization of the Supreme Court & Other Tech Initiatives
During the event, our sources tell us that the PM launched three technology initiatives — Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and a new website of the Supreme Court. All these efforts aim to make court proceedings more accessible to the public and to ease the legal process.
Upgrading Court Infrastructure
PM Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing court infrastructure. He spoke about the approval of the third phase of the e-Courts mission project focused on the digitization of court records and mentioned a significant increase in fund allocations for this phase. He also spoke about the upcoming expansion of the Supreme Court building complex.
Working Towards a Brighter Future
PM Modi concluded by acknowledging the Supreme Court’s pivotal role in shaping India’s future and commended it on its 75th anniversary. He lauded the posthumous conferment of Padma Bhushan to M Fathima Beevi, the top court’s first female judge.
