Bhubaneswar, December 14: The Orissa High Court Bar Association hosted a seminar on Sunday at Shaheed Bhawan, Cuttack, focused on addressing the rising costs and delays in the judicial process, with the aim of making justice more accessible for the common man.
Inaugurating the seminar, Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, highlighted Odisha's rich legal heritage and the significance of such discussions. Expressing concern over the delayed delivery of justice, Justice Surya Kant stressed that the prolonged legal process not only hampers the financial well-being of individuals but also tarnishes their dignity. He called for immediate reforms to alleviate the pressure on the common man, reduce uncertainty, and safeguard their rights.
Justice Surya Kant also proposed the promotion of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method to ease the burden on courts, suggesting it could help streamline cases and provide quicker access to justice. He identified two primary barriers to justice: the high cost of litigation and its extended duration.
Justice Harish Tandon, Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, underscored the judiciary's pivotal role in delivering timely justice. Senior advocates, including Advocate General Pitambar Acharya and Chairman, Odisha State Bar Council, Sitansu Mohan Dwivedi, also spoke at the event, stressing the need for expeditious case disposal to ensure fairness and accessibility.
The seminar concluded with the recognition of several senior lawyers who have dedicated over 50 years to the legal profession. Additionally, winners of the All-India Judges Badminton Championship were honoured, along with lawyer Sanjay Kumar Mahapatra, for his outstanding contributions to law.
The event was presided over by Manoj Mishra, President of the Odisha High Court Bar Association, with Secretary Abhijit Patnaik introducing the guests and highlighting the Bar’s ongoing initiatives. Vice President Siddhartha Das extended the vote of thanks.
Eminent legal figures attended the event, reinforcing the collective commitment to ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for the few but a right accessible to all.
