Law Minister Kiren Rijiju laments 'unpalatable' remarks on social media against judges

Expressing concern over the “unpalatable” remarks made against judges on social media, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday that many people do not understand the life of a Judge and the hard work they put in.

He said the legislature and the judiciary are not fighting for domain control but are part of the same team to make this country a robust democratic nation.

“We know what Judges do but many people don’t understand the life of a Judge. There are some unpalatable remarks being made on social media, when you see closely how much judges have to perform, it’s difficult for people like us to comprehend,” Rijiju said.

He was delivering a speech at the Legal Services Day celebration, organized by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) at Sharda University, Noida. CJI NV Ramana, Justice UU Lalit, NALSA’s Executive Chairman, and Justice Rajesh Bindal Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court were also present at the event.

“We are from public life, we are open. Judges can’t be open. It is not easy for them to come out of conventional duties and look after legal aid,” he said.

Rijiju further said that both the Legislature and the Judiciary want to ensure that people don’t have to struggle for bare minimum justice. Noting that four crore cases are pending in lower courts, he said the greatest thrust must be given to the lower Judiciary at this time.

"The strength of judiciary is very critical for the survival of democracy. The idea of bringing justice to the doorstep is transforming the judiciary. We have to make simple laws, in simple language, convenient for everyone. This doesn’t mean Judges and lawyers will become jobless. I’ve discussed with the Chief Justice of India," the Minister said. 

National Legal Services Day

National Legal Services Day is marked across India annually on November 9. The day is observed to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 and to create awareness about the various provisions related to the legislation. India's National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under its provisions on 5 December 1995. NALSA undertook activities including free legal aid and advice to the needy, disposal of cases through mediation and amicable settlement

(With inputs from agency)