Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday called for a more inclusive and people-centric justice system, stressing that access to justice begins with listening to citizens. Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day West Zone Regional Conference on “Enhancing Access to Justice” in Indore, he said the legal system must understand the concerns of communities by engaging with them in their own languages and dialects.
Justice Surya Kant said the conference's themes, “United Voice” and “Stronger Tomorrow”, reflected the need to make dialogue, dignity and inclusion integral to the functioning of the justice system. He said these principles should not remain slogans but should shape how institutions interact with citizens. According to the CJI, people must feel that their concerns have been heard before the justice system can effectively respond to them.
Referring to Indore's historical association with Devi Ahilya Bai, the CJI highlighted her practice of directly meeting farmers, widows and traders without intermediaries. He said the absence of a barrier between the ruler and the people offered an example of direct engagement with communities. Justice Surya Kant described Indore as an appropriate venue for a conference focused on improving access to justice and strengthening dialogue between institutions and citizens.
Also Read: Former Delhi HC Judge Criticises Legal Process Over Umar Khalid Case And Convictions
The CJI emphasised the importance of local engagement in delivering effective legal services. He said paralegal volunteers and legal services institutions play an important role because many community problems require solutions that take local circumstances into account. Understanding those problems, he added, requires legal services personnel to interact directly with people and understand the language and dialects they use in everyday life.
Justice Surya Kant stressed that communication within the justice system must be a two-way process. Institutions should not simply communicate legal decisions to citizens but should also listen to their concerns and understand the circumstances behind disputes. He argued that a collective voice can emerge only when individual voices are heard, making dialogue an essential part of building a justice system that responds effectively to communities.
The conference is being held on August 8 and 9 under the joint aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority and the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Supreme Court and High Court judges, legal services authorities, judicial officers and other stakeholders are participating. Discussions will focus on strengthening legal aid, mediation and community-level dispute resolution to make justice more accessible and inclusive.
Also Read: PM Modi To IIT Delhi Graduates: Your Decisions Will Shape India's Viksit Bharat Journey