Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘International Lawyers’ Conference 2023′ at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, a momentous event that brings together legal experts from around the world. This conference serves as a platform for substantive discussions on a range of legal issues, fostering the exchange of ideas, experiences, and international cooperation.
A Global Gathering of Legal Luminaries
Addressing the distinguished gathering, Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight at the opportunity to engage with leading figures in the global legal fraternity. He emphasized the conference’s significance with the presence of eminent personalities, including the Lord Chancellor of England, Mr. Alex Chalk, and delegates from the Bar Association of England, along with representatives from Commonwealth and African nations. The Prime Minister noted that the International Lawyers’ Conference 2023 exemplifies the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ signifying the world as one family. He extended a warm welcome to foreign dignitaries and commended the Bar Association of India for spearheading this initiative.
The Role of Legal Fraternity in India’s Progress
Prime Minister Modi underscored the pivotal role of the legal fraternity in a country’s development, hailing them as guardians of India’s judicial system. He highlighted the historical significance of legal professionals in India’s freedom struggle, citing luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Babu Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Lokmanya Tilak, and Veer Savarkar. Their contributions have not only strengthened the foundation of independent India but have also bolstered the world’s confidence in India’s impartial judicial system.
Historical Decisions and Transformative Legislation
PM Modi noted that the International Lawyers’ Conference coincides with a period of historic decisions in India. He referred to the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which guarantees 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. This landmark legislation will empower women-led development in India. The Prime Minister also mentioned India’s recent hosting of the G20 Summit, which showcased the nation’s democracy, demography, and diplomacy on the world stage. Additionally, he celebrated India’s remarkable achievement in successfully landing Chandrayaan 3 on the moon’s south pole.
India’s Vision for 2047: A Developed Nation
Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing the need for robust, independent, and impartial legal foundations to realize this vision. He expressed confidence that the International Lawyers’ Conference 2023 will prove highly successful, allowing countries to glean insights from one another’s best practices.
Global Challenges and Collaborative Legal Frameworks
Highlighting the interconnectedness of the world, PM Modi stressed the importance of global collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges that transcend borders and jurisdictions. He addressed issues such as cyber terrorism, money laundering, and the potential misuse of artificial intelligence. Establishing a global framework for these issues requires cooperation among legal systems from different countries.
Alternate Dispute Resolution and Legal Simplification
The Prime Minister acknowledged the growing importance of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the modern world, as commercial transactions become increasingly complex. To formalize India’s informal tradition of dispute resolution, the government has enacted a mediation Act. Lok Adalats have also played a significant role, resolving approximately 7 lakh cases in the last six years.
Simplifying Legal Language for All Citizens
PM Modi highlighted the importance of simplifying legal language to make laws accessible to common citizens. He stated that laws should be presented in two languages: one for the legal system and another for the general public. This approach aims to make citizens feel more connected to the law and the government’s efforts to draft new laws in plain language. The Prime Minister commended the Supreme Court of India for translating its judgments into four local languages, enhancing access to justice.
Leveraging Technology for Legal Processes
PM Modi emphasized the need to streamline legal processes through technology, reforms, and innovative judicial approaches. He recognized the transformative potential of technology in enhancing the legal system and called on the legal profession to leverage these advancements effectively.
