The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the new Judicial Court Complex at Bhubaneswar, Odisha today (December 5, 2024). Addressing the gathering, the President said that if justice is not delivered on time, then it is equivalent to not getting justice.
The poor suffer the most due to the culture of adjournment. They have neither the money nor the manpower to come to the court frequently. She expressed confidence that all stakeholders will give priority to find a way to avoid the culture of adjournment in the interest of the common people.
The President said that language is also a barrier for the common people. They do not understand what the lawyer is arguing for them or what opinion the judge is giving. She was happy to note that the Court judgments are now being translated into Odia and Santhali languages and these translated judgments are available on the websites of the Supreme Court and the Orissa High Court.
The President said that today, women-led development is being emphasised. She stated that like in other fields, women’s participation should increase in the judiciary also. She noted that currently, Odisha Judicial Service has 48 percent female officers.
She expressed confidence that the number of female officers will increase in the coming days. The President said that how ordinary citizens can interact with the judicial system without fear is an important issue.
Often people get nervous before lawyers and judges. It is necessary to have a sensitive environment in courts so that they can express themselves freely. The President was happy to note that the new court complex is designed to meet current and future needs.
New technologies are being used to accelerate the process of justice. She expressed confidence that modern amenities in the court complex will help in the smooth functioning of the judicial fraternity.