New Delhi: In a landmark event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) – Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The conference, themed “Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery,” brought together leading legal minds from across the globe to deliberate on crucial issues related to law and justice.
Expressing delight in inaugurating the conference, Prime Minister Modi welcomed international guests on behalf of the 1.4 billion Indian citizens. He urged participants to explore “incredible India” fully, emphasizing the country’s special relationship with the African Union and its recent inclusion in the G20 during India’s presidency.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of justice in Indian philosophy, citing an ancient saying that translates to “justice is at the root of independent self-governance.” He emphasized the importance of today’s theme, Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery, in a rapidly changing world and stressed the need for multiple nations to collaborate for effective justice delivery.
Addressing the challenges posed by modern crime, such as cyber threats and economic crimes with global repercussions, Prime Minister Modi called for a rethinking, reimagination, and reform of legal systems. He highlighted the interdependence of various systems, such as air and maritime traffic control, and suggested expanding cooperation in investigation and justice delivery while respecting each other’s jurisdiction.
The Prime Minister shared insights into India’s efforts to make the justice system more citizen-centric, citing initiatives like evening courts and Lok Adalats. He stressed the importance of legal education, urging the inclusion of more women in law schools to increase their representation in the legal profession. Prime Minister Modi called for a focus on adapting legal education to changing times and technologies, promoting international exposure for young legal professionals.
Highlighting India’s recent legal reforms, including the abolition of obsolete colonial laws, the Prime Minister underscored the positive impact of technology on justice systems. He mentioned India’s use of drones for mapping and providing property cards, reducing disputes and litigation. Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s willingness to share its experiences and learn from similar initiatives in other countries.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called for collaboration among nations based on the shared value of a passion for justice. He hoped the conference would strengthen this spirit and contribute to building a world where everyone has access to timely justice.
The event was attended by Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice D Y Chandrachud, Union Minister for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other distinguished legal figures. The conference witnessed participation from Attorney Generals and Solicitors from Commonwealth nations, fostering interaction among stakeholders in the Commonwealth legal fraternity. It also included a round table conference tailored for Attorneys and Solicitors general, aiming to develop a comprehensive roadmap to address challenges in legal education and transnational justice delivery.