On Sunday, President Droupadi Murmu addressed a significant milestone for the Supreme Court of India, unveiling a new flag and insignia in celebration of its 75th anniversary. The event, held in New Delhi, marked the conclusion of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, organized by the Supreme Court.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted a critical issue plaguing the judiciary: the perceived lack of sensitivity in the judicial process due to delays in delivering justice, especially in heinous crimes like rape. She emphasized that prolonged court rulings contribute to the common man’s view that the judicial system fails to adequately address and resolve these serious matters in a timely manner.
“When court decisions in a heinous crime like rape come after a generation has passed, the common man feels that the judicial process lacks sensitivity,” President Murmu remarked during the valedictory session. Her comments underscored the need for urgent reform in how the judiciary handles cases to ensure that justice is not only served but is also seen to be timely and effective.
Central to her address was a call to address the “culture of adjournments” that often characterizes the judicial process. President Murmu urged for reforms to mitigate delays and streamline court proceedings to prevent prolonged adjournments, which contribute to the growing backlog of cases and the resultant frustration among the public. She stressed that timely justice is a fundamental right and that all judges have a shared responsibility in upholding this principle.
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In addition to discussing procedural reforms, President Murmu touched upon the psychological impact of courtroom settings on ordinary people. She referred to this as “Black Coat syndrome,” a term she used to describe the stress and anxiety often felt by individuals involved in court proceedings. She suggested that further study is needed to understand and address this issue, aiming to create a more accessible and less intimidating judicial environment.
The President also expressed her satisfaction with the increasing number of women in the judiciary, acknowledging the positive steps taken towards greater gender representation within the legal system.
The event was attended by notable figures including Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal. Both leaders were present to witness the unveiling of the Supreme Court’s new flag and insignia and to participate in discussions regarding the future of the judiciary.
President Murmu’s address served as a powerful reminder of the need for continuous improvement within the judicial system to ensure that it remains responsive, sensitive, and efficient in delivering justice. As the Supreme Court celebrates its 75 years of service, the call for reform and timely justice echoes as a critical component in reinforcing public trust and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
