PM Modi Highlights the Need for Speedy Justice in Crimes Against Women and Children

New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized the urgency of delivering swift justice in cases of crimes against women and children, calling it a critical concern for society. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Conference on District Judiciary at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of stringent laws and efficient judicial processes in ensuring the safety and security of women across the country.

"Expeditious resolution of cases related to atrocities against women will provide the much-needed assurance of safety to half of our population," said PM Modi. He referred to the government's 2019 initiative to establish fast-track special courts, which include provisions for witness deposition centers and are monitored by district-level committees comprising district judges, magistrates, and police superintendents.

The Prime Minister stressed the crucial role these district monitoring committees play in coordinating various aspects of the criminal justice system and called for them to be more active and effective. He also marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of India's Supreme Court by unveiling commemorative stamps and coins during the event.

The two-day conference, organized by the Supreme Court of India, will feature five working sessions focused on issues pertaining to the district judiciary, such as infrastructure, human resources, inclusive justice, judicial security, judicial welfare, case management, and judicial training.

PM Modi lauded the Supreme Court's 75-year journey, which he said has enhanced India's glory as the mother of democracy, strengthening the cultural ethos of "Satyamev Jayate, Na Anritam" (Truth alone triumphs, not falsehood). He congratulated the judiciary and all citizens of India, extending his best wishes to participants at the conference.

"The judiciary is considered the guardian of our democracy," said PM Modi, commending the Supreme Court for its diligent efforts in safeguarding this responsibility. He further praised the Court for protecting fundamental rights and prioritizing national interest and unity whenever national security was at stake.

The Prime Minister also underscored the necessity of easy and straightforward access to justice as essential for improving the ease of living. He pointed out that this would only be possible if district courts are equipped with modern infrastructure and technology. Highlighting the backlog of nearly 45 million cases in district courts, Modi mentioned that significant efforts have been made over the past decade to address delays in justice.

He shared that approximately ₹8,000 crores have been invested in developing judicial infrastructure, with 75% of this expenditure occurring in the last 10 years. In this period, over 7,500 court halls and 11,000 residential units have been constructed for the district judiciary.

Recognizing the importance of e-courts, Modi noted that technological interventions have not only accelerated judicial processes but have also significantly alleviated the challenges faced by lawyers and litigants. He highlighted the ongoing digitization of courts across the country and the pivotal role of the Supreme Court’s e-Committee in these efforts.

The Prime Minister also urged the district judiciary to undertake necessary training in the new system under the Supreme Court's guidance. He suggested that judges and lawyers should actively participate in this initiative and emphasized the crucial role that lawyers and bar associations play in familiarizing the public with this new system.