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President Drupadi Murmu delivered a valedictory address at the National District Judicial Conference. (Picture: X)
President Murmu said the judiciary needs coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to address challenges.
President Drupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed concern over the lack of support for female survivors of targeted crimes and delays in court sentencing for heinous crimes such as rape.
Addressing the valedictory session of the National District Judicial Conference organized to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court, the President said the delay in such cases has forced the common man to perceive the judicial process as lacking sensitivity.
“One of the sad aspects of life in our society is that even after committing a crime, criminals still roam around without fear. The victims of those crimes live in fear as if their own minds have committed many crimes. Female Victims Their situation is even worse because even the public does not support them.
One of the sad aspects of life in our society is that in some cases people with resources roam around fearlessly and freely even after committing crimes. Those who suffer from crime live in fear as if those poor people had committed the crime. September 1, 2024
Her remarks came as protests continue, with nationwide outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
Murmu further lamented that the poor people in the village were afraid to go to court. For them, she said, leaving their village even once to go to court can cause huge mental and financial stress.
“They become participants in the judicial process in court only under great pressure. They often silently tolerate injustice because they feel that fighting for justice will make their lives more miserable. In such cases, many people cannot even Imagine the pain that poor people go through because of prorogation culture. Every possible step should be taken to change this situation,” she said.
Talking about the huge challenge posed to the judiciary by long-pendency and backlog of cases, Murmu said events such as special 'Lok Adalat' weeks should be organized frequently to clear the backlog.
President Murmu said the judiciary needs coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to address challenges. Issues related to evidence and witnesses, for example, should be addressed jointly by the judiciary, government and police, she said.
The president said that the constitution provides for the transfer of powers and responsibilities of legislative and executive bodies to the local level through councils and municipalities, and urged those present “if we can think of establishing a justice system at the local level that is equivalent to these systems.”
Murmu said providing justice in local languages and conditions can help the country realize its ideal of justice for all.
At the same time, she expressed happiness over the increase in the number of female judicial officers.
The event was attended by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal. Murmu also released the Supreme Court flag and emblem during the show.
The Supreme Court organized a two-day national local judicial conference on August 31 and September 1.
