Advancing Global Justice: PM Modi Inaugurates CLEA – CASGC 2024 Conference

Delhi: In a significant step towards fostering international collaboration in the legal sphere, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) – Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The conference’s theme, “Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery,” underscores the importance of addressing contemporary legal issues on a global scale.

Prime Minister Modi’s Opening Address:

Addressing a diverse audience of legal experts from around the world, Prime Minister Modi expressed his pleasure in inaugurating a conference that brings together leading legal minds. He welcomed international guests on behalf of India’s 1.4 billion citizens and encouraged them to explore the richness of the country.

India-Africa Relations:

Acknowledging the presence of African representatives, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s special relationship with the African Union. He expressed pride in Africa’s inclusion in the G20 during India’s presidency, emphasizing its significance in addressing the aspirations of the African people.

Global Legal Interactions:

Reflecting on recent interactions with legal fraternities worldwide, Prime Minister Modi mentioned the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Supreme Court of India and the International Lawyers Conference. He stressed the importance of such events in celebrating the justice system’s work and creating opportunities for enhanced efficiency.

Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery:

Discussing the conference theme, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for nations to collaborate in ensuring justice delivery. He highlighted the importance of understanding each other’s legal systems, leading to greater synergy and more effective justice delivery.

Modernizing Legal Systems:

Acknowledging radical changes like crime, PM Modi pointed out the challenges posed by global criminal networks and advanced technologies. He underscored the importance of rethinking and reforming legal systems to address 21st-century issues, including economic crimes, cryptocurrency, and cyber threats.

Citizen-Centric Justice System:

Emphasizing the importance of citizen-centric justice, the Prime Minister shared examples from his time as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Initiatives like evening courts and Lok Adalats were highlighted as steps toward ensuring accessibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in justice delivery.

PM Modi stressed the role of legal education in boosting justice delivery. He advocated for making legal domains inclusive at the educational level, especially encouraging the participation of women in law schools. An exchange of ideas on increasing women’s representation in legal education was suggested.

Global Exposure for Young Legal Minds:

The Prime Minister called for increased international exposure for young legal professionals. He urged law universities to strengthen exchange programs between countries, facilitating knowledge-sharing and understanding of different legal systems.

Technology and Legal Efficiency:

Highlighting the positive impact of technology on justice systems, PM Modi cited India’s use of drones for mapping and providing property cards. He emphasized the role of digitization in making courts more accessible and efficient, expressing India’s willingness to share its experiences and learn from other nations.

PM Modi highlighted India’s efforts in modernizing legal systems, including the abolition of obsolete colonial laws. He underscored the shift from a focus on punishment to ensuring justice, instilling a sense of assurance in citizens.