Unlocking Justice: PM Modi’s Call to Bring Courts Closer Through Regional Languages

In a landmark address at the National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms hosted by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) at the Supreme Court, PM Narendra Modi highlighted the critical need for justice to be comprehensible to all citizens. He said legal language should be simple and delivered in the recipient’s native tongue, empowering people to understand their rights and obligations.

Modi lauded the Supreme Court's initiative to translate over 80,000 judgments into 18 Indian languages, advocating that this practice be extended to all high courts and district courts. He noted such measures lead to improved compliance, reduced legal disputes, and truly democratize access to justice.

He further emphasized strengthening alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and Lok Adalats to ensure faster, economical settlement of disputes, reviving India’s ancient tradition of amicable conflict resolution.

The Prime Minister highlighted government efforts that led to over eight lakh criminal cases being resolved in three years via the legal aid defence counsel system, significantly aiding underprivileged groups including Dalits, women, and the poor.

Key Highlights:

Justice must be accessible, timely, and understandable to every citizen.

Laws and court rulings should be drafted and translated into regional languages.

Supreme Court’s translation of 80,000+ judgments into 18 languages praised.

Strengthening mediation, Lok Adalats, and legal aid critical for affordable justice.

Over 8 lakh criminal cases resolved in three years via legal aid defence counsel system.

Efforts ensure justice reaches deprived and marginalized communities.

Technology like e-Courts enhances efficiency and inclusion in justice delivery.

Sources: Telegraph India, Times of India, Indian Express, NDTV, PIB India