During the inaugural session of the first regional conference on access to legal aid, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the Supreme Court’s innovative use of technology to facilitate greater accessibility to justice. Themed ‘Access to Legal Aid: Strengthening Access to Justice in the Global South,’ the conference aimed to address pivotal legal aspects concerning nations categorized under the term ‘Global South.’
CJI Chandrachud highlighted the transformative impact of technology, asserting that the Supreme Court is leveraging digital platforms to bridge the gap between courtrooms and the public. He praised the implementation of online streaming of court proceedings, noting its significant role in bringing the workings of the Supreme Court directly into the hearts and homes of citizens across the country.
Amidst discussions about the Global South, denoting regions with relatively lower levels of economic and industrial development, Chandrachud emphasized the need to amplify engagement and discourse among these countries. He emphasized India’s role in aiding the establishment of the Supreme Court of Mauritius and recent collaborations through an MoU with the Supreme Court of Singapore.
The Chief Justice underscored the historical strides taken by the Supreme Court in fostering access to justice. He highlighted initiatives undertaken during his tenure, asserting that technology serves as a potent instrument in this pursuit, making courtrooms inclusive and accessible.
Chandarchud further addressed the significance of human rights discourse, stating that this conference would contribute to elevating engagement among nations of the Global South. He highlighted the Supreme Court’s evolution as a “people’s court,” removing procedural barriers and diligently addressing legal aid appeals and violations.
In discussing constitutional nuances among nations of the Global South, Chandrachud highlighted the unique nature of their constitutional frameworks, acknowledging indigenous minorities and their historical rights. He emphasized the judiciary’s pivotal role in ensuring access to justice and commended innovative legal practices developed by countries like India to enhance this access.
The conference stands as a platform fostering collaboration and exchange of ideas among nations in the Global South, with the Supreme Court’s initiatives and technology-driven advancements serving as a beacon for enhancing legal aid and justice accessibility.
Sources By Agencies
