Justice still a cynical phrase for common man, says CJI P Sathasivam

PTI | 9 Nov, 2013, 04.00PM 

NEW DELHI: Justice is still a cynical phrase for common man despite efforts being made to make it accessible, as it is felt that interest of litigant goes unnoticed in the "typhoon" of legal proceedings, Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam said today. 

His view was supported by senior most judge of the apex court Justice G S Singhvi, who said justice remains an "illusion" for millions of poor people. 

They were speaking on the occasion of National Legal Services Day. 

Justice Sathasivam said most of the people still believe that interest of litigants goes unnoticed in legal proceedings and steps need to be taken for changing the mindset and tospread awareness. 

"For a major segment of our demographic dividend, justice is still a cynical phrase because in common man's perception, law is being administered by our courts for law's sake and not for justice... It is the belief of most of the people of India that interest of litigant goes unnoticed in the typhoon of legal proceedings," he said. 

Justice Singhvi said it is time to "ponder over whether in 65 years we have been able to achieve the goal to provide justice for people and whether we have created an atmospherewhere everybody has equality of opportunity and status for people. 

"I still find justice is still an illusion for millions of people in the country and it is not accessible to majority of the population," he said, adding that "We, who are entrusted with the task to deliver justice, must make a pledge to bring justice at the door steps of people." 

Singhvi said the causes of injustice to the millions of people are illiteracy, lack of awareness, inordinate delay in court proceedings, litigation expenses and cumbersome procedure. He asked judges to take a humane approach in handling cases of the less privileged section of society. 

"We need to rededicate ourself for the cause of justice," he said. "I must admit and confess that Legal Service Authorities across the country have changed the scenario and justice has become accessible now."