Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant emphasised that enhanced infrastructure, while crucial, is not a standalone solution for the judiciary's escalating caseload. He made these remarks on Sunday while laying the foundation stone for a massive Rs 1,705 crore integrated judicial court complex at Rangmahal in North Guwahati.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar: The Need for Alternative Dispute Resolution
The CJI acknowledged that the state-of-the-art complex, strategically positioned for future generations, will serve as a national and international landmark. Improved infrastructure and working conditions undoubtedly help courts operate more efficiently, he stated. However, he was quick to add that efficiency gains alone cannot tackle the fundamental problem of millions of pending cases.
Justice Kant proposed a paradigm shift, advocating for mediation and structured dialogue as effective and genuine alternatives to traditional litigation. "Disputes resolved through direct negotiation, rather than adversarial litigation, tend to conclude faster and produce outcomes more acceptable to all parties," he explained. This approach, he stressed, does not compromise on fairness.
An Integrated Vision for Justice Delivery
The CJI elaborated that dispute resolution encompasses the entire journey from approaching the courts to the final judgment, not just the pronouncement of a verdict. For this process to be cohesive for all stakeholders—judges, lawyers, and litigants—all functions must work in tandem. Infrastructure integration is a vital aspect of this vision.
"The proposed judicial court complex will provide an institutional framework to make this approach succeed," Justice Kant said. He expressed confidence that including a dedicated mediation centre and an arbitration centre within the same premises would be a major boon. This setup would enable quicker resolutions through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, benefiting both the legal fraternity and the public.
Removing Barriers to Dialogue
A key advantage of an integrated complex, according to the Chief Justice, is the removal of practical barriers that discourage out-of-court settlements. He noted that when judges can confidently suggest mediation, knowing the parties won't have to travel across the city for another appointment, people are far more likely to agree.
"By uniting these services under one roof, we remove barriers that have long discouraged dialogue. A fragmented system creates problems; an integrated one fosters solutions," CJI Kant asserted. This holistic design is intended to transform the user experience of the justice system.
A Legacy for the Future of Northeast India
Justice Surya Kant framed the project as a long-term investment in the region's future. He stated that the complex is being built not for today, but for the decades ahead, for a northeast that continues to grow and assert its place within the nation's constitutional framework.
The laying of the foundation stone marks a commitment to leave behind a stronger, more capable judiciary. "We must ensure that when our time is done, we can say we gave the institution what it needed to serve well," the CJI concluded, highlighting the project's significance as a cornerstone for future judicial administration in the region.
