At SCO Justice Ministers' Meet, Meghwal Highlights Tech-Driven Efforts to Deliver Justice

Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal represented India at the 12th Session of the Justice Ministers' Meeting (JMM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States on Wednesday. The meeting, hosted by Russia and held via video conferencing, included Justice Ministers from SCO nations like China, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Discussions centered on strengthening legal cooperation and promoting the digitization of justice systems.

Meghwal emphasized India's commitment to a comprehensive transformation of its justice system, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the government's focus on making justice more accessible, inclusive, and technology-driven.

A key aspect of India's approach is ensuring affordable legal aid and promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Meghwal cited the success of E-Lok Adalat, which combines technology with ADR to provide faster and more transparent dispute resolution for citizens. This initiative exemplifies India's efforts to empower citizens and improve legal infrastructure.

Meghwal also noted legislative reforms, including the Commercial Courts Act and amendments to Arbitration and Conciliation Laws, aimed at facilitating business and enhancing India's position as a global hub for investment and commerce. He stressed that these measures are designed to make the justice system more business-friendly.

The Justice Ministers emphasized the importance of long-term partnerships in law and justice, recognizing them as key to the SCO's development. They also acknowledged the necessity of cooperation on ADR mechanisms and the exchange of legal information, and stressed the need to improve digital tools in the legal sphere.

Meghwal urged SCO members to enhance cooperation and exchange best practices in law and justice, suggesting that collaboration through the SCO platform would strengthen their respective legal systems. He advocated for expanding the scope of SCO's activities in the justice domain through regular forums, conferences, and capacity-building initiatives.

The participants adopted a joint statement at the session, demonstrating their commitment to mutual exchange of legal information and cooperation in ADR mechanisms. The meeting addressed the digitization of Justice Ministries within SCO states, highlighting the shared interest in leveraging technology to improve legal processes.