The Importance of Tele-Law in Providing Timely Justice
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the crucial role that Tele-Law plays in alleviating the burden on courts and ensuring timely justice. He stated that justice delayed is justice denied and stressed the need to leverage technology-driven legal aid to resolve cases efficiently. The Disha program aims to ensure that only cases requiring judicial intervention reach the courts, while others can be resolved through alternative methods.
Empowering Citizens Through Tele-Law
During a regional workshop on tele-law activities at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, CM Omar Abdullah highlighted the benefits of the initiative. Tele-Law connects citizens, especially in remote areas, with legal assistance, educating them about their rights and facilitating dispute resolution through mediation. By bridging the gap between citizens and lawyers using technology, Tele-Law expands access to justice and reduces the burden on the judicial system.
Efforts to Reduce Judicial Backlog
CM Omar Abdullah stressed the importance of decreasing the number of new cases entering the courts, ensuring that only those necessitating judicial hearings are brought forward. Tele-Law under the Disha program plays a significant role in achieving this goal by providing legal aid to citizens in remote and rural areas, thus promoting mediation and resolving disputes outside the courtroom.
Enhancing Access to Legal Assistance
While urban residents may have easier access to legal help, those in remote areas often face challenges in availing legal services. Tele-Law addresses this disparity by informing people about their rights and connecting them with lawyers through technology. Over 7.5 lakh citizens across 20 districts and more than 4,000 panchayats have already benefited from the program, highlighting its impact on expanding access to legal assistance.
Evaluating Tele-Law Success and Future Plans
The workshop aims to assess the success of the Tele-Law program, compare performance across different districts, and identify best practices for replication. CM Omar Abdullah also highlighted the additional benefits of the initiative, such as creating employment opportunities for common service centers. Collaboration with the Ministry of Law & Justice is expected to further strengthen Tele-Law, ensuring that all citizens receive timely justice.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to all involved in the workshop’s execution, considering it a success in advancing the goals of Tele-Law and promoting access to justice for all. —(KNO)
