Patil for more affordable justice

President Pratibha Patil on Saturday expressed concern over the high cost of judicial remedy. Addressing an international conference of jurists on the “Rule of Law”, the President said that it was time courts simplify legal procedures.

“Public perception of legal institutions is crucial. Even though free legal aid is guaranteed for the weaker sections of the society, it should be remembered that the quality of legal aid plays a very important role. Though awareness campaigns aimed to educate marginalised sections of their rights may be considered an initial step, it would not be complete as such,” the President said.

She urged the lawyers and jurists to complement the efforts of the higher judiciary by streamlining their knowledge of the laws in favour of the poor.

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The President said a democratic form of government must have its foundations on a rule of law that advocates the absence of arbitrary power, ensures equality before law and protection of individual liberties.

Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan, Chief Justice of England and Wales Lord Phillips, Union Minister of State for Law K Venkatapathy, judges of the Supreme Court and other dignitaries were also present at the conference organised at the Vigyan Bhavan.