President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today inaugurated the new Judicial Court Complex in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the state’s judicial infrastructure, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the legal system.
In her address, the President emphasized the critical importance of timely justice, stating that delayed justice is equivalent to denial of justice. She highlighted that the poor, in particular, are adversely affected by the culture of adjournments, as they often lack the resources to repeatedly appear in court. The President urged all stakeholders to work towards eliminating this practice to ensure justice is delivered promptly and equitably.
Smt. Murmu also addressed the issue of language barriers in the judiciary. She acknowledged that many ordinary citizens struggle to understand legal proceedings and court judgments due to language differences. She expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing initiative to translate court judgments into Odia and Santhali, which are now accessible on the websites of the Supreme Court and the Orissa High Court, ensuring that justice is more comprehensible to the common people.
Further, the President spoke about the growing emphasis on women-led development and called for greater female participation in the judiciary. She noted that currently, 48% of the officers in the Odisha Judicial Service are women and expressed optimism that this number will continue to rise in the future.
Another key point raised by the President was the need for a sensitive environment within the courts. She emphasized that it is essential for ordinary citizens to feel comfortable interacting with the judicial system, particularly when facing lawyers and judges. Creating a court atmosphere where individuals can freely express themselves without fear is crucial for a functioning justice system.
Smt. Murmu also expressed her satisfaction with the design of the new court complex, which is equipped with modern technologies and amenities to address both present and future judicial needs. She expressed confidence that the state-of-the-art facilities will contribute to the smooth functioning of the judiciary and expedite the delivery of justice in Odisha.
