Judiciary should not hide its problems but should discuss it and address concerns to serve people better: CJI NV Ramana

Judiciary should not camouflage or hide its problems but should flag and discuss the issues which hinder its functioning so that it can serve people better, Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said on Saturday..If judges don't discuss such issues affecting the judiciary and address the same, the system will be crippled, he said."If we intend to serve the people better, we need to flag the issues which hinder our functioning. There is no meaning in camouflaging or hiding the problems. If we don’t discuss these issues, if matters of pressing concern are not addressed, then the system will cripple. I fear, we may be unable to fulfill our constitutional mandate of social justice. I urge you therefore, to discuss, debate and decide! This is the principle I have been following all through," he said..The CJI was speaking at the All India District Legal Services Authorities Meet organised at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, which had Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. The event was also graced by Supreme Court judges, Justice UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud and Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju. In his speech, the CJI stressed upon the role of district judiciary which he termed the "backbone of justice delivery system" in India."The District Judicial officers are the first point of contact for much of the population. Public opinion about the judiciary is primarily based on their experiences with the district judiciary. This casts a great responsibility on your shoulders. You must undertake multifaceted tasks and roles. You are best placed to understand people’s problems and social issues," he said.Strengthening the district judiciary is the need of the hour, he added. In this regard, he also said that the district judiciary is the driving force behind the legal aid movement in India..The CJI also highlighted the plight of undertrial prisoners in his speech."One of the most important aspects which calls for your active consideration and intervention is in relation to the condition of undertrials. The Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Learned Attorney General have also rightly flagged this issue in the recently held conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices. I am happy to note that NALSA is actively collaborating with all stakeholders in securing much deserved relief for undertrials," the CJI opined..[Read full speech]