New Chief Justice of India Aims to Strengthen Judiciary System

In a significant move to transform the Indian judiciary, newly appointed Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has shared his vision for making the system more "approachable and user-friendly". Speaking on his long-term goals, Khanna emphasized the critical role of the judiciary in governance, aiming to increase transparency and reduce litigation complexity.

Khanna's ambitious plans focus on addressing the existing case backlog, currently a major hurdle in the Indian judicial system. To achieve this, he proposes to simplify complex legal processes, incorporating feedback from all stakeholders through a self-evaluative approach. He also wants to enhance the accessibility of litigation, empowering citizens to navigate the court system with greater ease. A key component of this strategy is promoting mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method, thereby reducing the volume of cases in Indian courts.

Khanna has also reiterated the judiciary's core principles – equal treatment for all, a fair chance to succeed, and just and unbiased adjudication. He underscored the importance of fairness and impartiality in every stage of the judicial process, stating that these values are indispensable to building trust in the institution. By prioritizing accessibility, transparency, and accountability, the Chief Justice seeks to make the Indian judiciary more appealing to citizens and more responsive to their needs.

The Chief Justice's vision marks a promising shift in the Indian judiciary's approach, potentially fostering a more inclusive and effective dispute resolution system. As the nation continues to grapple with judicial backlogs, Sanjiv Khanna's guidance is seen as a beacon of positive change, drawing attention to the imperative of a more approachable and accountable judiciary.