By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, NOV 27, 2020: NOTING the use of technological solutions such a video-conferencing and e-filing being used during the COVID-induced restrictions, President Mr Ram Nath Kovind appreciated the efforts of the judiciary and the bar on Thursday.

Speaking at the Constitution Day Celebrations organised by the Supreme Court, Mr Kovind said he was happy to see that the apex court continued to function and dispense justice amid the pandemic to improve access to justice for all.

"Improving access to justice for all is, of course, a work in progress. It is bound to be by its very nature. Solutions, on the other hand, are numerous too. Technology is emerging as the foremost among them – more so now, as we grapple with restrictions the pandemic has imposed on us," the president said.

"The compulsion induced by COVID-19 can indeed help us further in finding more creative ways to fulfill that task and augment the access to justice."

Mr Kovind also praised the court for making their judgements and verdicts available in more regional languages and "bringing the institution of judiciary closer to the citizenry."

Union Law Minister,Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad, congratulated the judiciary for rising to the challenges presented by the pandemic and expressed dissatisfaction with people critical of the Supreme Court's judicial functions and using phrases such as "judicial barbarism."

"Some people have a view as to how a particular case to be filed or has been filed or a judgement should come and then there are narratives leading to it. When the Supreme Courtor the judiciary does not stick to the course outlined by them, they resort to sweeping criticism," Mr Prasad said.

"Judges must be left free to decide cases without inhibitions attempted to be imposed by these persons."

Speaking at the event, Attorney General Mr K K Venugopal said Courts of Appeal (CoA) must be set up in all four corners of the country with 15 judges each, to ensure the access to justice and ease the burden on the SC.

"Creation of CoA in between the High Courts and the SC will enable the SC to hear petitions raising important constitutional question and matters of national importance instead of mundane and regular appeals against HC decisions," Mr Venugopal said.

Chief Justice of India Mr SA Bobdein his address said the courts highest duty is to uphold the Constitution of India but there are restrictions on the freedom of speech.