Bridging the Justice Gap: Justice Surya Kant's Call to Action
Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court emphasized the need to make justice more accessible to all, addressing the disparities between privileged and vulnerable populations. Speaking on legal aid's crucial role in democracy, he urged legal professionals to contribute pro bono work and stressed the importance of timely justice and mediation.

- Country:
- India
In a compelling address, Supreme Court's Justice Surya Kant highlighted the urgent need to bridge the justice gap between the privileged and the vulnerable. Delivering a lecture on 'Justice for All: Legal Aid and Mediation,' he underscored that legal aid is integral to democracy, advocating for it as 'constitutional oxygen.'
Justice Kant expressed concern over the elitist access to justice, pointing out that inflated legal fees and complex procedures create barriers. He urged senior lawyers to take on pro bono cases, emphasizing the need for a balanced judicial system. The judge called for collaborative knowledge sharing among legal professionals to enhance legal frameworks.
Highlighting the issue of case backlogs, Justice Kant warned that delayed justice undermines the legal system's credibility. He encouraged mediation as a means to resolve disputes amicably and highlighted the Mediation Act of 2023 as a significant step forward, stressing its role in preserving relationships and promoting understanding.
(With inputs from agencies.)
ALSO READ
Bangladesh's Path to Democracy: A Year After the Uprising
Kremlin says Moldova tramples on democracy with sentence on pro-Russian regional leader
The Unveiling of Democracy: 60 Years of Voting Rights Act Transformations
If govt doesn't agree to our demand on SIR, it will be construed that it does not recognise democracy, Constitution: Kharge.
Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Chori' Allegations: A Crime Against Democracy?