Odisha Plans Legal Reforms to Speed Up Justice, Strengthen District Court Case Management

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is working on a comprehensive plan to strengthen the legal system and improve the timely delivery of justice, with greater emphasis on efficient management of civil cases, judicial procedures and the use of technology in courts.

As part of the initiative, the Law Department organised a one-day workshop at Lok Seva Bhawan on effective management of civil cases in district courts. Government Pleaders, Additional Government Pleaders and associate lawyers attended the workshop.

Inaugurating the workshop, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said ensuring appropriate and speedy justice for people across the state remains a key priority of the government.

He stressed the important role played by government lawyers and prosecutors in the justice delivery system and called for greater attention to judicial processes along with a regular review of existing laws and regulations.

“You are a part of the constitutional system and the judiciary,” Harichandan said, emphasising the need for lawyers to remain closely aligned with constitutional and judicial processes.

The Minister also highlighted the potential of technology to improve the efficiency of courts. He said the appropriate and timely use of artificial intelligence could play an important role in speeding up justice delivery in the changing legal environment.

Justice Shashikant Mishra, who attended the programme as Guest of Honour, discussed various aspects of civil and criminal litigation and highlighted the responsibilities of government lawyers.

He spoke on the significance of evidence, cross-examination and oral arguments in court proceedings and said regular exchange of knowledge among legal professionals could help resolve complex issues and doubts arising during cases.

Advocate General Pitrambar Acharya, the keynote speaker, focused on the role and responsibilities of government lawyers in courts and the importance of properly applying constitutional provisions while handling civil cases.

Principal Secretary of the Law Department Dr Pabitra Mohan Samal delivered the welcome address and outlined various public welfare initiatives undertaken by the department, including welfare measures for members of the legal profession.

He also highlighted the objectives of the workshop and stressed the importance of ensuring fair and effective justice. Quoting from Puranic texts, Samal said providing fair justice to all is among the highest duties.

The technical sessions focused on practical aspects of litigation and recent developments in the legal system. Former Orissa High Court judge Justice Debabrat Das spoke on appeals and recent judicial developments, while former judge Justice Anand Charan Behera addressed drafting and case management.

Professor Dr Durgesh Chandra Mohapatra spoke on the Civil Procedure Code, while senior lawyer Surya Prasad Mishra discussed practical challenges faced during litigation through case studies, group discussions and an interactive question-and-answer session.