Due To The Judicial Intervention The Growth Of Nation Shouldn't Be Stalled: Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju

Over a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that obstacles are put in the development of our own country sometimes in the name of freedom of expression and sometimes with the help of something else, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju today said that the developmental projects shouldn't be stalled due to the Judiciary.

"It is the work of the Judiciary to decide what is right and what is wrong. However, due to judicial intervention, the growth of the nation shouldn't be stopped," said Law Minister Rijiju who was Speaking at Agenda Aaj Tak, a programme organised by TV Today Group.

He emphasized that without a robust Judicial system, a Democracy can't function and that the Judiciary is an integral part in the growth of the Country. Underscoring that the Government doesn't interfere in the functioning of the Judiciary and  doesn't criticize it, he added thus:

"We don't feel that due to the Judiciary nation is suffering. In the growth of the Nation, what more role can the Judiciary play. If cases go on for long before the Court, it is not alright. For a healthy democracy, the Judiciary has a bigger role to play. Delivering justice is the job of the judiciary. But we believe that there should not be an interruption in the progress of the country due to judicial intervention."

Further, he also said that if a particular matter, related to trade or commerce or a company remains pending in court, it affects progress.

"It is a matter of concern not only for the government but for the entire country, if a dam took 40 years to be constructed in India and only four years in China. The Government has deiced not to compromise with Environment, Human Rights, etc. But if in the name of the Environment, we put obstacles in the development of the nation, it is a matter of concern for all of us. The world is praising PM Modi or what he did at COP. Our environment is a big issue for us," he added.

Fundamental Duties v. Fundamental Rights

Expressing his opinion that fundamental duties are more important than Fundamental rights, Union Law Minister Rijiju said that if we don't talk about the Fundamental Duties and only keep on talking about the Fundamental Rights like some mantra, it doesn't work like this.

"Fundamental Right is not absolute, we all know this. For me, fundamental duty is more important than Fundamental Right. Because I believe that Fundamental Right is for self, for individuals but Fundmanetal duties are for the nation. We have to remember this," Rijiju said.

External forces and freedom of speech and expression

Union Law Minister Rijiju said that we all know this as a matter of fact that some external forces and some people from our own country work to weaken the country.

Regarding the Freedom of Speech and Expression, the said that in our country, people who talk about the freedom of expression, or those who accuse the government of surprising the dissent or that the government doesn't listen to the opposite voices, are the ones who speak the most. 

"The amount of respect that PM Modi has given to our Constitution is unprecedented. Still, we are accused that we don't follow the Constitution, democratic principles" he added.

Issues before the lower judiciary

When Union law Minster was asked as to what is the biggest challenge before him, he said that the pendency of 4 Crore 30 Lakh cases in India is a big challenge for him.

Referring to the recently allocated 9,000 crores for the Lowe judiciary by the Central Government, he said thus:

"The distance between 'Justice' and a common man should be reduced. It is a matter of concern if people, despite spending money, are not able to get timely justice. It is our (Government's) duty to strengthen Judiciary & to expedite processes associated with its working. Recently, we allocated 9,000 Crore for Judicial infra. We will make sure it is utilized vis-a-vis quality and quantity."

He also said that he had himself seen that the infrastructure in the Lower courts is not good. He also said that many places don't have toilets, computer rooms, etc. Many judges have to sit in rented rooms and that many courts are running in rented places.

"PM Modi Ji and all of us have allocated 9,000 crores & our primary objective is to strengthen the lower judiciary. Separate ladies' & gents' toilets shud b built. Modern amenities should be provided to Courtrooms. Sufficient material needed for VC Hearing," he added.