Judiciary pillar of democracy; lawyers pillar of judiciary: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh on Saturday highlighted the importance of the legal community in justice dispensation, stating that the lawyer community is a major factor in people reposing faith in the judiciary..While judiciary is one of the pillars of our democracy, the Bar is the pillar of judiciary, he said. The Union Minister was speaking at a National Seminar organised by the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) Principal Bench Bar Association on the topic, "Introspection: Armed Force Tribunal."The Union Minister went on to note that lawyers played a major part in our freedom struggle and contributed greatly even in the years following independence..Discussing the need for tribunals like the AFT, the Defence Minister took note of increasing litigation in courts leading to delayed disposal of cases. In this regard, he explained that tribunals are meant to address domain-specific issues.Further, responding to the concerns of vacancies in the AFT, the minister assured that these would be filled up soon and the government is committed to fulfilling the aims of the Constitution..Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, who also spoke at the event, opined that while everyone deserves justice, and the government is duty-bound to provide the same, if justice to those in the Armed Forces is delayed, it would be a bigger injustice.In addition to this, he said that he wished for all regional benches to function at full strength so that litigants do not have to come to Delhi.To tackle the issue of pendency, the Law Minister stressed on the need to use technology.He went on to assure all stakeholders that the government would do everything it can for quick delivery of justice..AFT chairperson Justice Rajendra Menon, spoke about what made the tribunal unique - the fact that it catered to those who dedicated their lives to the country. He also reassured the audience that the issues with regard to pendency as well as appointments would be addressed..Senior Advocate Colonel R Balasubramanian highlighted some of the issues being faced by the tribunal.He said that while access to justice has been achieved, delay in dispensation of justice remained to be addressed. He also flagged the issue of vacancies in AFT, pointing out that members were not being appointed to the tribunal. If all 34 members are appointed, disposal would be expedited, he stated.He also raised the need for better infrastructure and also highlighted the role of lawyers, stating that they could ensure the tribunal’s independence and effect course correction..Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee made certain recommendations to ensure better administration of justice at the AFT. He said that the tribunal ought to have a set of law reports to help counsel understand the law and cite concrete precedents.He also said that lawyers were partially responsible for pendency by seeking adjournments.