President Shri Pranab Mukherjee expressed his concern over the 31 million pending cases

President Shri Pranab Mukherjee expressed his concern over the

31 million pending cases

Mumbai, February 08, 2014

The President Shri Pranab Mukherjee expressed his concern over the 31 million pending cases in the Indian Courts and said that justice delayed is justice denied.  The President was speaking at the 150^th anniversary of the Advocates Association of Western India in Mumbai today. He also said that the distinguished members of Advocates Association of Western India which is the oldest Bar Association in the country, were in the forefront of not only bringing about rule of law in the country but also in our freedom struggle as well.  He said the legal luminaries of the Bar Association were involved in creating various institutions in the country.  Shri Pranab Mukherjee also outlined history of evolution of legislative functioning and judicial in the country, in his address. 

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Justice of India, Justice P. Sathasivam said courts of the country have played a meaningful role in protecting the rights of the people.  He also outlined the various endeavours being undertaken to reduce the backlog of cases in the country.  The Chief Justice also said efforts are on to elevate judges and increase their numbers by 25 per cent to address this issue of pendency of various cases.  The Chief Justice also said all courts from Taluka level to the Supreme Court were being digitally connected.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Prithviraj Chavan praised the role of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar a Member of the Association who played a significant role in framing the Indian Constitution.  He also outlined the efforts being taken by his government in strengthening the judicial system.  He said three Law Universities were being set up at Mumbai, Nagpur and Aurangabad. 

The Union Law Minister, shri Kapil Sibal recalled the role of the stalwarts of the Association in the freedom struggle and contribution of the Bar Association from whom many great Judges and Lawyer emerged.

The President also unveiled the portraits of 3 former Chief Justice of India who were Members of the Advocates Association of Western India. Justice P.B. Gajendragadhkar, Justice J.C. Shah and Justice Y.V. Chandrachud.

The Governor of Maharahstra, Shri K. Sankaranarayanan released a Coffee Table book on the association.  Justice Mohit Shah, the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court talked about the evolution of the Association from time of the six founders to the present where it contributed to the judicial system in the country.

JRM/KN