New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Saturday that ease of doing business and ease of living are achievable only when ease of justice is ensured for all citizens. Speaking at the National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms, organized by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Modi highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing access to justice and its role in establishing social justice.

Modi underscored that justice must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social or financial background. He noted that legal aid services act as a vital bridge between the judiciary and the common citizen, operating from the national to the taluka level. He expressed satisfaction that Lok Adalats and pre-litigation settlements are resolving numerous disputes swiftly, amicably, and at a low cost.

The Prime Minister highlighted the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System, an initiative by the central government, which has resolved nearly 800,000 criminal cases in just three years. These efforts, he stated, have ensured ease of justice for the poor, oppressed, deprived, and marginalized sections of society.

Modi emphasized the importance of legal awareness, stating that individuals need to be aware of their rights, understand the law, and overcome any fear of the system's complexity to access justice. He affirmed that enhancing legal awareness among vulnerable groups, including women and the elderly, is a priority. He also encouraged law students to engage with poor and rural communities to explain their legal rights and processes, suggesting they would gain direct insight into the pulse of society.

The Prime Minister lauded the Supreme Court's initiative to translate over 80,000 judgments into 18 Indian languages. He stressed the need for judgments and legal documents to be available in local languages, stating that when people comprehend the law in their own language, it leads to better compliance and reduces litigation.

Modi cited the eCourts project as a prime example of the digital transformation in delivering justice. From e-filing and electronic summons to virtual hearings and video conferencing, technology has simplified processes and made access to justice easier. The budget for the third phase of the e-courts project has been increased to over ₹7,000 crore, demonstrating the government's commitment to this initiative.

Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that NALSA has played an important role in providing legal assistance and services to citizens in need. Initiatives like Tele-Law and Legal Services are being implemented to ensure access to justice for everyone. Meghwal noted that under the Tele-Law scheme, launched in 2017, over one crore beneficiaries across the country have received pre-litigation advice.