Easy to say courts should end pendency in two years but in no country do judges have such workload: Kiren Rijiju

It is easy to be a spectator and say that judiciary should end pendency of cases in two years but those who feel the pinch will not make such remarks, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Monday. ."It is very easy to pass comments saying legislature, executive and judiciary should do that and this and how judiciary should end pendency in 2 years. It is all easy to say unless you feel the pinch," he said. No country in the world has judges with workload like ours, he added. Rijiju also highlighted the importance of the role the executive has to play to enable the judiciary to perform its task."Executive has a larger responsibility and without the proactive role of the government, it is difficult for the judiciary to perform in isolation. I have a clear cut role to play as a bridge between the executive and judiciary," he said. .The minister was speaking at the 76th Independence Day celebrations organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana was the chief guest at the event which was also attended by CJI designate Justice UU Lalit, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and other dignitaries. .Rijiju said that at times, he becomes helpless when parliamentarians and common people on the street ask him why there is such a large pendency of cases and delay in delivery of justice. "I am helpless as I respect judiciary. I can make statements taking advantage of my seat. But I dare not cross my lakshman rekha ever," he said. He added, "It is not that any organ is functioning less than the other. Judges here dispose of more than 40-50 case a day. No country in the world has judges with workload like ours." .He further said that as India will complete 100 years of freedom in 2047, the three organs of the State -- Judiciary, Legislature and Executive -- need to work seamlessly to achieve their intended goals. "There is nothing wrong in someone holding a constitutional post fighting for its independence. Some times you have to understand about the story on the other side of the fence."The law minister also complemented the High Courts and the lower courts on their efforts to celebrate the 75 years of Independence. "Since last three days I am receiving many pictures from subordinate courts. They show how all courts have been beautifully decorated and this shows the Amrit Mahotsav has been taken seriously. I appreciate the High Courts and lower judiciary."

Easy to say courts should end pendency in two years but in no country do judges have such workload: Kiren Rijiju

Debayan Roy

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