“Judicium 2.0” a Significant Initiative to Make the Justice System More Inclusive, Accessible and Stronger: Chief Minister Dhami

Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the annual conference of the Uttarakhand Judges Association, “Judicium 2.0: Inclusion, Access and Strengthening,” held at UPES Bidholi on Monday. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that making the justice delivery system more inclusive, accessible, transparent and effective is the essence of good governance. He stated that ensuring timely and impartial justice for every citizen remains one of the top priorities of the State Government.

The Chief Minister said that the conference theme—focused on inclusion, easy access to justice, and strengthening judicial institutions—is closely aligned with the vision of building a developed India. He stressed that every section of society should receive equal opportunities and respect within the justice system, and that geographical or economic barriers should never hinder access to justice.

Highlighting the unique challenges of Uttarakhand as a mountainous state, he noted that ensuring simple and accessible justice for people living in remote and difficult-to-reach areas is of utmost importance. He stated that the true value of justice lies in its impartiality and timeliness. Unnecessary delays in judicial processes can erode public confidence; therefore, continuous efforts must be made to make the justice delivery system more efficient and time-bound.

The Chief Minister described the judiciary as a strong pillar of democracy that not only safeguards citizens’ rights but also strengthens trust, security, and the rule of law in society. He said that the success of the rule of law depends largely on public confidence in the judiciary, and judges are fulfilling this responsibility with dedication and integrity.

Referring to reforms undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that several historic initiatives have been introduced to make India’s judicial system modern, transparent and technology-driven. He highlighted the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, along with technological advancements such as e-Courts, the National Judicial Data Grid, digital case management systems, and video conferencing facilities, which have significantly enhanced the efficiency of judicial processes.

He further stated that the Uttarakhand Government is continuously working to strengthen judicial infrastructure across the state. Efforts are being made to expand digital courts, e-filing systems, and virtual hearings, enabling citizens to access judicial services more conveniently. He also noted that long-pending disputes are being resolved quickly and amicably through Revenue Lok Adalats.

Speaking on law and order, the Chief Minister said that the State Government is firmly committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards crime and corruption. He referred to measures such as the Anti-Cheating Law, Anti-Illegal Conversion Law, Anti-Riot Law, and strict actions against corruption and illegal encroachments, stating that these initiatives have further strengthened the rule of law in Uttarakhand.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, describing it as a historic step towards women’s empowerment and ensuring equal rights and justice for all citizens. He noted that the initiative has attracted attention across the country and reflects the state’s commitment to social justice and equality.

Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the conference, he said that “Judicium 2.0” would play a vital role in making the justice system more inclusive, accessible, transparent and robust, thereby contributing significantly to the vision of a developed and exemplary Uttarakhand.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of ₹5 crore for the Welfare Fund of the Uttarakhand Judges Association. He also released the Association’s commemorative publication.

The event was attended by the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Justice Ravindra Maithani, Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, Justice Alok Mehra, Justice Subhash Upadhyay, Justice Siddharth Sah, Registrar General of the Uttarakhand High Court Yogesh Kumar Gupta, along with judges from various courts, legal experts, and distinguished guests.