In a powerful address that resonated through the legal community, Supreme Court Judge Justice Bela M Trivedi delivered a compelling message about the fundamental purpose of India's judicial system. Speaking at a significant legal conference in Chandigarh, Justice Trivedi emphasized that the pursuit of justice must never be undermined by what she termed as the "tyranny of technicalities."
The Core Message: Substance Over Procedure
Justice Trivedi articulated a crucial perspective that has been gaining momentum in judicial circles. "The ultimate goal of our legal system," she stated, "is to deliver justice. While procedures and technicalities are important for maintaining order and fairness, they should serve as facilitators of justice rather than obstacles."
Her remarks came during a thought-provoking session that brought together legal luminaries, practicing advocates, and law students from across the region. The conference, organized by the District Legal Services Authority, focused on contemporary challenges in the justice delivery system.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Justice Trivedi highlighted several key areas where technical procedural requirements often hinder the cause of justice:
- Excessive focus on minor procedural lapses that delay case resolution
- Technical objections that prevent substantive issues from being heard
- Procedural complexities that create barriers for common citizens
- Over-reliance on technicalities that sometimes override merit
A Call for Judicial Reform
The Supreme Court judge's statement comes at a time when the Indian judiciary is actively working on reducing case backlogs and improving access to justice. Justice Trivedi emphasized that while procedural rules are essential for an organized legal system, they should not become tools that defeat the very purpose of justice.
"Our courts must strike a delicate balance," she noted. "We must respect procedures while ensuring that technicalities don't become weapons that deny justice to those who genuinely deserve it."
Broader Implications for Legal Practice
Legal experts present at the conference welcomed Justice Trivedi's perspective, noting that it reflects a growing judicial trend toward prioritizing substantive justice. Many practicing lawyers shared experiences where cases with strong merits faced unnecessary delays due to procedural technicalities.
The conference also featured discussions on practical measures to implement this philosophy, including simplified procedures, greater judicial discretion in handling technical objections, and training programs for legal professionals.
Justice Trivedi's powerful statement is expected to influence judicial approaches across various courts in India, potentially leading to a more balanced application of procedural rules that serves the ultimate goal of delivering timely and effective justice to all citizens.
