Parliament Question: Strengthening delivery of justice

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3161 ANSWERED ON – 19/03/2026 STRENGTHENING DELIVERY OF JUSTICE 3161 DR. AJEET MADHAVRAO GOPCHADE:

Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry has taken any action on the representation submitted for studying the legislations of Belize and Ireland aimed at ensuring timely delivery of justice and whether relevant legal insights or best practices from these jurisdictions have been examined for adoption;

(b) whether Government has received any representation or proposal specifically focused on guaranteeing timely justice in the country; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the concrete steps taken or proposed to address this critical issue? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) & (b): The Government from time to time receives representations and suggestions from various stakeholders regarding measures for ensuring timely delivery of justice and improving the efficiency of the justice delivery system. Such suggestions, including proposals relating to studying international best practices, are examined in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.

After extensive consultations and consideration of suggestions received from various stakeholders, three Bills, namely, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and the Bharatiya SakshyaAdhiniyam Bill, 2023, were passed by both the Houses of Parliament, assented to by the Hon’ble President of India and notified in the Gazette of India on 25th December 2023. The new Criminal Laws have come into force from 1st July, 2024. Details of provisions made in new criminal laws for expediting judicial process are as

follows:-

(1) Faster and Fair Resolution: The new laws promise a faster and fair resolution of cases,instilling confidence in the legal system. Crucial stages of investigation and trial like preliminary enquiry, further investigation, supply of document to the victim and accused, commitment of a case for trial, filing of discharge applications, framing of charges and pronouncement of judgment have been streamlined.(2) Fast-Track Investigations: The new laws prioritize the investigations for offences against women and children, ensuring timely completion.

(3) Adjournments:Streamlined to avoid unnecessarydelays in case hearings,ensuring timely justice delivery.

(4) To significantly improve the speed, efficiency and transparency of the judicial process, applications like e-Summons, e-Sakshya and Nyaya-Shruti (VC) have been developed.

(c): The Government has taken several steps to strengthen the justice delivery system and reduce delays in courts. These include implementation of the e-Courts Mission Mode Project for digitization and technological enablement of courts, promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, establishment of Fast Track Special Courts for expeditious trial of cases relating to rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and encouragement to States and High Courts for filling up vacancies in the subordinate judiciary.

Further, initiatives such as pre-institution mediation under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, conduct of Lok Adalats under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, strengthening of legal aid through the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System, and expansion of digital services including e-filing, video conferencing and online case information systems are also being implemented to enhance access to justice and ensure timely disposal of cases.

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