JAMMU, APRIL 8: Union Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, today released the first edition of Dogri version of the Constitution of India at University of Jammu here.Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice Kotishwar Singh, Senior Judges of High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Vice Chancellor, JU, Professor Umesh Rai, Secretary, Law, Achal Sethi, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Avny Lavasa, faculty members of the University, senior functionaries from the Center and J&K government were present on the occasion.Speaking during the event, the Union Minister termed this translated document very significant in dispensation of justice to common people. He maintained that understanding law is essential in accessing justice by a common person and it can’t be done better than having it codified in one’s mother tongue.He remarked that although the task has been accomplished a bit late after enshrining Dogri language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution back in 2003 but the cause of furthering its impact among people should not be delayed any further. He applauded the varsity for providing necessary support to the translators for this noble work.Regarding developments with respect to making the process of justice delivery easy and affordable, he revealed that the government is digitizing a whole array of about 65000 words of legal glossary to frame a core vocabulary for understanding of all the citizens.He also informed that the Rs 9000 crore for upgradation of infrastructure at lower judiciary and Rs 7000 crore for e-Courts project is aimed at making the process of delivery of Justice easily accessible and freely available. He recalled that the time is not far when our courts would become totally paperless after completion of the 3rd phase of e-Court project. He said that the project has greatly aided in the working of courts during Covid-19 pandemic.Rijiju, in his remarks, described the technology as a solution to reduce pendency of cases in our courts. He stated that it pains him to see about 5 crore cases still pending for their final disposal. He made out that the technology can come to our rescue to even extend the benches of Supreme Court, High Courts or even Lower Courts beyond the four walls of their complexes.Union Minister greatly admired the young lawyers who contribute in furthering the agenda of National Legal Services Authority in providing free justice to people. He pointed out that the concept of pro bono is a wonderful cause and the elite lawyers should also contribute in extending their services through this programme for the larger good of public. He asserted that the judiciary has vital function of striking balance between ensuring freedom of speech and safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation simultaneously.
