New Delhi, July 12 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Chief Secretaries of States and Registrar Generals of High Courts to hold a meeting for the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas that help deliver speedy justice at the village level.
A bench comprising Justice B R Gavai and Justice K V Viswanathan directed the Centre and the Registrars of the High Court to file affidavits within six weeks and submit details regarding the establishment and functioning of Gram Nyayalayas, including the infrastructure made available for them.
Justice Gavai said, “The establishment of Gram Nyayalayas appears to be an easy access to justice for the citizens of the country.”
“Access to Justice also includes the right to affordable and speedy justice,” said the court.
The Supreme Court’s order came while hearing a Public Interest Petition (PIL) seeking the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas in the country, as per the Gram Nyayalayas Act 2008
The PIL was filed by Advocate Prashant Bhushan, on behalf of petitioner NGO National Federation of Societies for Fast Justice and others, which said that 16 years after passing of the Act, only 264 Gram Nyayalayas were functional.
An Act passed by Parliament in 2008 provided for the setting up of Gram Nyayalayas at the grassroots level to provide access to justice to citizens and to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to anyone by reason of social, economic or other disabilities.
The bench observed that in its view, the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas, apart from providing affordable and speedy justice at doorsteps, “would also de-clog the huge pendency of matters pending before the trial courts”.
Counsel appearing for the Bihar government informed the Apex Court that Bihar has already created Gram Kachehris.
Justice Gavai then asked, “What is the stand of the Union? Is it mandatory on behalf of all?
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati replied, “No it is not mandatory. We have a central scheme…we did an assessment. If High Courts feel there is a requirement, they can apply under the scheme, “Bhati replied.
