March for legal reforms kicks off

During the 35-day march, the activists will cover around 170 districts across 22 states

A nation-wide March for Justice, advocating judicial reforms, began on Saturday which aims to sensitise people about the need for time-bound disposal and reduction in backlog of cases.

Participants in the march paid homage to the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before embarking on the 35-day trip across the country.

The activists, comprising largely of social workers and lawyers, will cover around 170 districts as well as major towns across 22 states. The march, christened as Nyay Yatra, will conclude on March 4 at Jantar Mantar.

Former Karnataka high court Justice G.C. Bharuka deplored the “lack of interest” on the part of the decision-makers to expedite judicial reforms. “Marches, such as this, are needed as the decision-makers are not taking any interest. The public is feeling helpless, as to whom to approach regarding these pressing issues. The yatra should create public awareness and build pressure on the decision makers to do something positive,” Jusctice Bharuka said.

Raj Kachroo, who is part of the cause, said blaming the pendency of cases on the paucity of judges does not hold water as the situation in Delhi is “no better” than the national average despite the city having a large number of judges.

“In fact, the pendency rates have doubled in Delhi over the years,” Mr Kachroo, founder of a nation-wide anti-ragging movement, said. The yatris boarded four vehicles, plastered with slogans like “Justice delayed is justice denied”.