(a) whether a National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms (NMJDLR) has been set up to streamline and quicken the disposal of crores of pending cases in courts including High Courts and Supreme Court;
(b) if so, its terms of reference and the period within which it is likely to submit its report; and
(c) the main thrust areas covered by the said mission?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS
(SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (c) : National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms was set up in August, 2011 with the twin objectives of increasing access by reducing delays and arrears in the system and enhancing accountability through structural changes and by setting performance standards and capacities. The Mission has been pursuing a co-ordinated approach for phased liquidation of arrears and pendency in judicial administration, which, inter-alia, involves better infrastructure for courts including computerisation, increase in strength of subordinate judiciary, policy and legislative measures in the areas prone to excessive litigation, re-engineering of court procedure for quick disposal of cases and emphasis on human resource development.
To advise on the goals, objectives and strategies of the National Mission and the Action Plan and its implementation, an Advisory Council has been set up under the Chairmanship of Minister of Law and Justice with wide ranging membership. An action plan of the National Mission was formulated under 5 strategic initiatives which are reviewed by the Advisory Council of the National Mission from time to time. Ten meetings of the Advisory Council have been held so far. Activities under the National Mission are of an on-going nature and regular reports are presented before the Advisory Council of the National Mission.