NEW DELHI: Highlighting the steps taken by Ministry of Law and Justice during the three years after coming into power, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said all necessary steps have been taken to make judiciary accessible for everyone.
Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prasad said, "Our government perform, reform and transform."
"Since the time we came to power, we have done many positive steps for the improvement of the judiciary. Despite our reservations in the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), we did not stop the appointments process and will continue doing the same."
The strength of High Court judges increased from 906 in May 2014 to 1079 in May 2017 which is an increase of 173 posts.
On the question of MoP (Memorandum of Procedure) Prasad said, "There is more working required in finalising the MoP. But we need greater scrutiny in judges appointments (while referring to retired Calcutta High Court Justice C S Karnan)."
Appreciating the role of senior advocate Harish Salve at the International Court of Justice, Prasad said, "He has done excellent work for India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. Not only me but Finance Minister Arun Jaitely, MEA Minister Sushma Swaraj and PMO agreed on having Salve our representation."
On the question of issuing notification of cattle ban, Prasad said, "Our govt doesn't want to control people's food habit but its a reality large section of Indian population reverse cow. The notification has other intentions but we will review after taking account of all stakeholders."
"We have taken note of the Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi resignation and will take a decision at the right time, he has cited personal reasons for not continuing with the post," Prasad said on AG's letter to relieve him from post.
He also informed that Legislative Department has approved Election Commission's proposal for procuring 16,15,000 VVPAT machines for 2019 general election.
"I will convene the conference of all Chief Justices of High Courts to expedite the hearing of cases pending for more than 10 years," said Prasad.
On National Litigation Policy, Prasad said, "Law Commission has given its report, we are examining the same."