Calls for Judicial Reform Highlight Need for Better Infrastructure and Training

Supreme Court advocate Geeta Luthra and senior advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey discuss the necessity for improved court administration and infrastructure following President Droupadi Murmu's remarks on judicial delays. Both advocates emphasize that efficient case management and trained staff are needed to provide timely justice without compromising fairness.

Supreme Court advocate Geeta Luthra underscored the urgent need for a better secretariat and trained staff, echoing President Droupadi Murmu's concerns about judicial delays. Luthra described the President's remarks as "very interesting," stressing that the principle of 'justice delayed is justice denied' holds true. She cited two Supreme Court judgments emphasizing the significance of speed in delivering justice.

Luthra highlighted that filing chargesheets late—sometimes taking from four to seventeen years—detracts from the justice system's effectiveness. She advocated for a statute of limitations for criminal cases to prevent such delays, arguing that late chargesheets hamper the accused's defense due to the loss of evidence. Luthra cited a controversial rape trial concluded in seven days in Rajasthan as an example where the rush for speed compromised fairness. Instead, she stressed the need for better court administration over merely increasing the number of judges.

Advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey defended the judiciary, noting that the core issue lies in inadequate infrastructure. He urged the government to provide sufficient support for the legal system. Dubey assured that the Delhi judiciary is unbiased and emphasized the robust legal aid services available to the poor. He also highlighted recent improvements in judicial administration, as acknowledged by President Murmu, but noted that significant progress is still needed.

(With inputs from agencies.)