Historic Moment: President Droupadi Murmu Lays Foundation Stone for Madhya Pradesh High Court’s New Building in Jabalpur
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, September 27, 2023 – A momentous occasion unfolded today as President Droupadi Murmu, the esteemed head of state, laid the foundation stone for the forthcoming state-of-the-art building of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, situated in the historic city of Jabalpur.
In her address during the foundation stone-laying ceremony, President Murmu emphasized the critical role of the judiciary in providing accessible, swift, and uncomplicated justice to the general public. She candidly highlighted the multifaceted challenges currently faced by the Indian judiciary, including an overwhelming backlog of cases and a substantial number of under-trial prisoners. Moreover, she underscored the pressing need for infrastructure improvements within court systems.
President Murmu revealed that approximately 4.5 crore cases are pending in lower courts across the nation, with many of them languishing unresolved for two to three decades. She commended the Madhya Pradesh High Court for launching the ’25 DEBT’ initiative, which mandates the consistent disposal of the 25 oldest cases in district courts. This program is expected to expedite the resolution of long-standing cases and alleviate the burden on the judiciary.
Drawing upon India’s traditional values, President Murmu stressed the importance of strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which can make justice more affordable and reduce the judiciary’s workload. She expressed optimism that the Mediation Act of 2023 would gain widespread acceptance and help alleviate the burden of litigation.
President Murmu also acknowledged the pivotal role of technology in modernizing the justice system. She highlighted the rapid adoption of technology in the judiciary, enabling e-courts, video conferencing, e-proceedings, and e-filing. Additionally, the President lauded the approval of the third phase of the e-Court project by the Government, which is set to enhance accessibility, affordability, credibility, and transparency within the justice system.
Furthermore, President Murmu called upon organizations and groups of lawyers to provide pro bono legal assistance to marginalized individuals, ensuring that justice remains within reach of all citizens. She underscored the need for institutional efforts to strengthen this endeavor.
In pursuit of an inclusive India, President Murmu emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and their active participation in the judiciary. She noted that women often possess a unique sense of justice and advocated for their increased involvement in the judicial system.
The President also paid tribute to Jabalpur’s significant historical role in the evolution of Indian justice. The landmark ADM Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla case decision by Jabalpur High Court, later overturned by the Supreme Court in 1976, was eventually reinstated in 2017, reestablishing fundamental rights. Jabalpur’s name has thus become synonymous with the progressive journey of the justice system in India.
Concluding her address, President Murmu expressed her satisfaction with the plans for the new Madhya Pradesh High Court building, which includes provisions for a dedicated Bar Room for women advocates, ensuring greater convenience for both female lawyers and litigants. She anticipated that the completion of this modern facility would invigorate judges, lawyers, and administrative staff to discharge their duties with enhanced dedication, commitment, and efficiency.
