Chief Justice Gavai Highlights Challenges in Indian Judicial System

Judicial Delays and the Need for Reform

On Saturday, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai emphasized the unique challenges faced by the Indian judicial system, noting that delays in legal proceedings can sometimes extend for decades.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad, Justice Gavai encouraged students to pursue studies abroad on scholarships to avoid placing financial burdens on their families.

He remarked, 'Our nation and judicial system are confronting distinctive challenges. Delays in cases can occasionally last for decades. We have witnessed instances where individuals have spent years in jail as undertrials, only to be found innocent later. Our brightest minds can assist in addressing the issues we face.'

In this context, the Chief Justice referenced U.S. Senior District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, who, in his book 'Why the Innocent Are Convicted and the Guilty Go Free: And Other Paradoxes of Our Broken Legal System,' stated, 'While I have concluded that our judicial system is in dire need of reform, I remain entirely optimistic that my fellow citizens will rise to this challenge.'

Justice Gavai quoted this remark from the American judge and further advised the graduating students to seek mentors for guidance in integrity rather than for leveraging influence.

Ceremony Attendees

The event was also attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Supreme Court Justice P.S. Narasimha, with Justice Sujoy Paul, the Acting Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court, presiding over the convocation.