What CJI DY Chandrachud said on translating law, legalese into vernacular language

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Saturday emphasised the importance of translation of law and legalese into simpler language for the understanding of general public who are impacted by the same..For the purpose of conveying the values of justice and constitution to the general people, CJI Chandrachud asked the teachers of the law universities across the country to ensure that even vernacular languages are not glossed over while they teach principles of law to the students."I often discuss with my colleagues and all the educationists of the country as to how the study of law can be taught in simple language. As such, there are certain rules and basic principles in different provisions of the Constitution. We teach those principles well in English, but we often find ourselves uncomfortable explaining those principles in regional languages. If we are not able to explain the principles of law to the general public in simple language, then it shows the lack of legal profession and legal education. This affects the common citizens, especially the weaker section of the society," the CJI said ..CJI Chandrachud was speaking at the 3rd Convocation at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow.The event was also graced by Supreme Court judge, Justice Vikram Nath, Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath..When citizens are unable to understand the debates and discussions in courtrooms, it leads to a disconnect between the judiciary and litigants, he opined.To address this, Supreme Court has started translating its judgments from English into vernacular languages for the benefit of layperson, the CJI pointed out. "If a person wants to bring a case before the court, but due to weak economic or social condition, he does not have the means to hire a lawyer, then the court provides a lawyer for him. That is why it is called right to free legal aid in English. Similarly, if a person faces a legal case and is sent to jail, and he does not have the money to hire his own lawyer, the process of providing him free legal aid is enshrined in the provisions of our Constitution. Despite these schemes, if we cannot tell that person about his rights in simple language, then these schemes will prove to be incomplete," the CJI said..He also highlighted the hindrance to general public in understanding their basic rights and other provisions of law due to lack of English literacy.Hence he urged legal pedagogues to ensure that students are taught in a way that they are acquainted with local contexts and local legal terms."In many countries across the world, both legal education and legal proceedings are conducted in the regional language, ensuring that all citizens can not only access the legal system but also aspire to be lawyers and judges. It is only when we teach core principles of law to our students efficiently while acquainting them with the local context and local legal terms, that we can create socially responsible lawyers in the future, who can truly understand the issues and concerns of the local community," the CJI urged the teachers in law universities..He also batted for the use of technology to increase access to justice and bring litigants closer to the courtroom."My companion judges and I were once tied to traditional modes of adjudication, relying on bulky paper files. However, courts today have embraced technology to increase access to justice and bring litigants closer to the courtroom. Similarly, we stay abreast of evolving areas of law that have significantly changed since our days as law students and lawyers, including issues involving artificial intelligence and technology-related disputes," the CJI said.