Criminal case management reforms, reduction in trial time: CJI Sanjiv Khanna outlines priorities

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, who assumed office as the 51st CJI on Monday, underscored the need to tackle case backlog and simplify legal procedures. .In a press release issued on Monday evening, the CJI outlined his agenda with focus on reforms in criminal case management and reducing the time taken for trials."He aims to work on reducing trial duration through adoption of a systematic approach, and positioning justice delivery mechanism to ensure that process of law is not grueling for the citizens, as one of the top priorities," the press note said.He also expressed his desire to make the courts approachable and user friendly."Addressing the challenges, the Chief Justice identified the need to tackle case backlogs, making litigation affordable and accessible, and a need for simplifying complex legal procedures," the official release said..Justice Khanna will have a tenure of 183 days as CJI, which is just little over six months. He will retire on May 13, 2025.Expressing an "immense honour" in heading the third wing of democracy, CJI Khanna said,“Judiciary is an integral, yet distinct and independent part of the governance system. The Constitution trusts upon us the role of constitutional guardian, protector of Fundamental Rights, and responsibility to fulfill the important task of being service provider of justice.".The Constitution trusts upon us the role of constitutional guardian, protector of Fundamental Rights, and responsibility to fulfill the important task of being service provider of justice.Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.He further said that justice delivery framework necessitates fair opportunity for all to succeed regardless of status, wealth or power.These mark the core principles, he stressed. “The responsibility entrusted upon us affirms our commitment as protectors of citizens’ rights and as dispute resolvers. It is our constitutional duty to ensure easy access to justice to all citizens of our great nation," the press release quoted CJI as having said.The CJI aims to adopt "a self-evaluative approach" which is receptive and responsive to feedback. "Making judgments comprehensible to the citizens and promoting mediation will be a priority of the Chief Justice," the press release stated.