PM Modi advocates using local languages and improving access to law

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his government is working on simplifying laws passed in the parliament so that commoners can understand them better. He also called for the use of local languages in courts to enhance access to the law.

He was addressing the Joint Conference of the Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts. He stated that a simplified version of the law will be passed along with the actual legislation. "Common man will not have to go to the court for the interpretation of the law".

He advocated the use of local languages saying he is glad the Chief Justice of India mentioned having high courts use the local language. "It will take a long time for that but it will improve access to justice".

Chief Justice of India N V Ramana had earlier stated that linguistic barriers must be removed to boost the Indianisation of the justice delivery system. He also called for the practice of local languages before high courts.

While noting that some states are already using their mother tongue to their advantage, he questioned why can't medical and technical education be done in their mother tongue, reported The Indian Express.

The PM said that his government is studying the issue of the common man's troubles when it comes to understanding and efficiently accessing the law. He also shared a vision for the future of the judiciary in which the system is integrated with digital India. He urged judges and chief ministers to set the goal for 2047 when the country will celebrate 100 years of independence.

He pointed out that India has adapted to a digital economy and transactions in rural areas despite the pessimism. "As we adapt to digitalisation, even in villages, citizens will have similar expectations from the judiciary too," he added. Highlighting how India has taken to digital transactions, he noted that people will expect the same speed from the judiciary.

Speaking about the bail process, he urged the CMs and High Court judges to grant bail in a timely manner. "There are over 3.5 lakh undertrials currently in prison and these are largely poor people. They must be released on bail whenever possible".

The Prime Minister used the opportunity to say that states have been lagging in repealing obsolete laws. "The Centre has nixed 1,450 obsolete laws in seven years and states have only repealed 75.