Our legal system is colonial, not suited for Indian population: CJI NV Ramana

The legal system presently in place in India is colonial and not suited for the Indian population, observed Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Saturday.

He went on to emphasise the need of the hour is to Indianise justice delivery.

"Our legal system is colonial, not suited for the Indian population. The need of the hour is the Indianisation of the justice delivery system," he said.

A related concern flagged by CJI Ramana concerned equitable access to justice.

"Rural people are left out and don't understand proceedings in English. They end up spending more money," he said.

He highlighted that courts have to be litigant-friendly.

"The common man should not feel scared of judges and courts. Courts should be comforting. The focus point of any legal system is the litigant. Courts should be transparent and accountable in nature," said CJI Ramana.

He also went on to note that alternative dispute resolution (ADR) would go a long way in helping save resources and reducing the pendency of cases.

The CJI was speaking at an event organised by the Karnataka State Bar Council to pay tribute to Late Justice MM Shantanagouder, who had passed away unexpectedly in April this year.

Remembering Justice Shantanagoundar, Chief Justice Ramana said,

"The country has lost a common man's judge. He was interested in taking up the cases of the poor and the underprivileged, while he was practicing ... His judgments were simple, abundant, practical and immense with common sense ... He was always prepared for hearings. One thing which stood out was his sense of humour and infectious laughter. Inspite of all his health reasons, he always came to sit for hearings. I asked him not to strain and he said that he can't sit at home. He was built with a different fibre. He sat for hearings till the last day."