On Wednesday, the Supreme Court emphasized that establishing Gram Nyayalayas nationwide would significantly improve access to justice
The 2008 Act aimed to create these local courts to ensure justice is accessible at the grassroots level, eliminating barriers due to social, economic, or other disabilities.
During a hearing led by Justice B.R. Gavai, a plea was discussed requesting the Centre and all states to expedite the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas under the Supreme Court’s oversight. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the NGO National Federation of Societies for Fast Justice, highlighted that only about 5-6% of these courts have been set up so far. He noted that some states argue that existing Nyaya Panchayats suffice, though they lack the judicial authority of Gram Nyayalayas.
The court appointed a senior advocate as amicus curiae to assist in the matter and stressed the importance of quickly establishing these courts for better access to justice. The Himachal Pradesh High Court reported ongoing efforts to establish Gram Nyayalayas since 2009 but noted no significant progress. The Supreme Court has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to provide a response by the next hearing date.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing in four weeks, with the court urging states and high courts that have yet to submit affidavits regarding the establishment and functioning of Gram Nyayalayas to do so within three weeks.
The Supreme Court had previously observed that more Gram Nyayalayas would help alleviate the heavy caseloads of trial courts and provide affordable justice. The court had directed states to issue notifications for establishing these courts and appoint judicial officers as per the 2008 Act.
(With inputs from agency)
Share your news, articles, deals, columns, or press releases with us! Click the link to submit and join our platform today.
