Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the commencement of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India on January 28th, inaugurating the event at the Supreme Court auditorium in Delhi. Alongside the celebration, PM Modi launched citizen-centric information and technology initiatives, including Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and a new website for the Supreme Court.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the presence of all attendees as the Supreme Court began its 75th year, coinciding with the Constitution of India entering its 75th year two days prior. He commended the court for upholding the principles of freedom, equality, and justice envisioned by the makers of the Indian constitution.
Reflecting on the significant role of the Supreme Court in India’s vibrant democracy, PM Modi acknowledged landmark judgments on individual rights and freedom of speech that have shaped the nation’s socio-political landscape. He reiterated the government’s goals for the next 25 years, emphasizing the importance of today’s economic policies in building a vibrant India.
PM Modi highlighted the global attention on India amidst changing geopolitical dynamics and stressed the need to capitalize on opportunities. He identified ease of living, ease of doing business, travel, communication, and ease of justice as top priorities, asserting that the Supreme Court serves as the medium for ensuring the ease of justice for every Indian citizen.
Emphasizing accessibility, PM Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to making the Supreme Court accessible to remote areas, mentioning the acceptance of the third phase of the E-Courts Mission Project with a fourfold increase in fund allocation. He announced Rs 800 crore approval for the expansion of the Supreme Court Building Complex, addressing challenges faced by the current infrastructure.
Acknowledging the digital initiatives launched, PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the availability of decisions in digital format and the translation of Supreme Court decisions into local languages. He envisioned similar arrangements in other courts across the country. PM Modi commended the Chief Justice of India’s efforts in monitoring the digitization of all courts in the country.
Highlighting the use of technology in his address, PM Modi mentioned real-time translation through AI and encouraged the implementation of similar technology in courts for the benefit of common people. He proposed a simplified language approach for drafting court judgments, aligning with his earlier suggestion for drafting laws in simple language for better public understanding.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of Indian values and modernity in legal frameworks, noting ongoing efforts to modernize laws and align them with present situations and best practices. He highlighted the government’s initiatives in abolishing outdated colonial criminal laws and introducing new legislation, such as the Jan Vishwas Bill.
Concluding his address, PM Modi underscored the role of a robust justice system in shaping Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He recognized the Supreme Court’s significance in the country’s future and congratulated the institution on its 75th anniversary. The event was attended by Chief Justice of India Dr. D Y Chandrachud, Union Minister for Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other dignitaries.
