CJI Stresses Need For National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation To Strengthen Judicial Infrastructure

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Saturday mentioned that a comprehensive proposal for the establishment of the National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation (NJIC) is under preparation in order to strengthen judicial infrastructure and improve access to justice by catering to the ever-rising number of cases and litigants and their changing needs.

"I am championing the National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation, which will develop concepts of the National Court Development Project and its implementation. The NJIC shall be along the lines of different infrastructure development statutory bodies that work towards creating National Assets across the country.", the CJI stated. 

CJI Ramana further specified that the NJIC would be guided by the principles of 'socially responsible and inclusive architecture'. 

Highlighting the poor state of judicial infrastructure in the country, the CJI further remarked,

"Courts in India still operate from dilapidated structures, without proper facilities. Such a situation is severely detrimental to the experience of litigants and lawyers. It is an unpleasant work environment for Court staff and Judges, making it difficult to effectively perform their functions. We neglected and failed to focus on providing good infrastructure for Court in India after the British left."

The Chief Justice of India was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new National Law University proposed to be established at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The event also involved laying the foundation stone of the new building complex of the Allahabad High Court.

The event was also attended by Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, President Ram Nath Kovind, Acting Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and other esteemed dignitaries.

The CJI also applauded the construction of the new Multi-Level Parking and Advocates Chambers Complex in the Allahabad High Court and remarked that it was an important step in creating a "barrier free - citizen friendly" atmosphere.

"I have been told that advocates in the Allahabad High Court were in great difficulty as they still don't have proper chambers. I am glad to find that the needs of women, and the differently abled, have been consciously considered. This is a welcome move for advocates and litigants", the CJI further remarked. 

The Chief Justice of India had on September 4 also stated that the proposal for the establishment of the NJIC is expected to be sent to the Central government soon. He was speaking at a Bar Council Of India event organised to felicitate him. 

"I have a proposal to address this issue in a time bound manner. A comprehensive proposal for creation of National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation is under preparation. We have collected the status report from across the country. A proposal in this regard will reach the Hon'ble Law Minister very soon. I expect full cooperation from the Government", the CJI had remarked. 

Also Read: 'Pendency Of Criminal Cases In Allahabad High Court Very Worrying': CJI NV Ramana