Since Independence we have travelled to Mars, but legal system remains the same: Justice AM Khanwilkar

Delivering the welcome address at the Valedictory Function of the Constitution Day 2021 celebrations, Justice AM Khanwilkar today remarked that Indians have travelled to Mars since independence, but our legal system remains the same.."We had little exposure to the metaphysical concept in our ancient systems. Since independence, we have travelled to Mars but our legal system remains the same. We need to target clogging of dockets and tattered justice delivery system," the Supreme Court judge said..In his speech, Justice Khanwilkar said that the concept of justice can be traced to the Vedic times, a period during which there were rules of reason, logic and metaphysics. While dharma is an ancient tenet about fulfilling our duties and responsibilities, the Constitution is a perfect reflection of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), he said, adding that it was time to revisit and indigenise our rich legal system. .Ending his speech by quoting Dr BR Ambedkar, Justice Khanwilkar pointed out that a Constitution is as good as the people implementing it. Our political democracy will be in put in peril if we continue to deny equality in our social and economic life, he added..'Did not know of fundamental rights, only duties'.Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking after Justice Khanwilkar, said that over 12,000 people had registered for the online course on the Indian Constitution, launched in collaboration with NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, on day one.Highlighting the government's focus on alternative dispute redressal mechanisms, Rijiju made reference to a standalone law for mediation that was being considered.The Minister said that the government is committed to investing in next-generation infrastructure like artificial intelligence, which "may help in sustainable justice delivery and help in reducing case load.".On the balance between the assertion of fundamental rights and fundamental duties, Rijiju said he does not want to create a debate on the same. He, however, noted,"We must evaluate how much we have progressed as a nation. I came from a village and I could connect village to roads only after becoming MP. I did not know about fundamental rights but knew only fundamental duties. A solider at the border thinks of fundamental duties and not fundamental rights. When I come to cities, I think of fundamental rights."He added that people attack others' fundamental rights to get their own, and that both rights and duties have to be carried together..Follow our live thread of the event, below: