Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam on Saturday called upon the high courts in the country to accord top priority to cases pertaining to offences against women and children.
These cases along with those like the 138 Negotiable Instruments Act should be treated as first view items and disposed of on the same day or shortest possible time, the Chief Justice said, while inaugurating the new building of Odisha Judicial Academy here.
“I have written to the chief justices of the high courts on the matter and also discussed creation of special courts with the Prime Minister and the Law Minister. They have assured that finances will not be a problem and immediate steps will be taken whenever any suggestion is put forth”, Chief Justice Sathasivam said.
Expressing concern over high pendency of cases in judiciary across all levels, he emphasised on creation of special courts, evening courts and holiday courts. Citing an example of Chennai, he said holiday courts to settle matrimonial disputes have been a huge success. The couples in conflict found it easy to attend the courts as they were held during holidays on Saturdays and Sundays. The result is evident as more cases were settled in those courts.
The courts should expedite rape cases and deal firmly with any delay from any side.
The judges should not shy away from pulling up the prosecution or defence in such instances. They should control the proceedings and deliver justice as early as possible.
Sathasivan also underscored the need for continuous education for judicial officers at every level from the Supreme Court to subordinate courts in view of not only the growth in law, but also the rapid development in technology, management and communication.
Judicial officers should possess high levels of skills and knowledge for fair and speedy administration of justice.
“The target of the judicial academies should be to churn out judges with confidence to deal with difficult situations with ease. The judges should be well equipped to respond to the changing needs of the society with the ability to deliver clear, decisive judgment free from ambiguities. Above all, they should bear personalities of high integrity”, Sathasivam said.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik called upon the judiciary to respond to the rising aspirations of the people due to increasing awareness. The field-level judicial officers should encourage mutual settlement of disputes as well as spread awareness on legal rights among the people, he said.
Judges of the apex court Justice B S Chauhan, Justice A K Patnaik, Justice Dipak Mishra, Justice V Gopalagowda and Chief Justice of Orissa High Court C Nagappan were present among others.