Page 2 - Kiren Rijiju

Govt has launched eCourts project for justice through use of tech: Rijiju

Union Law minister Kiren Rijiju, in a written reply to a member's query in the Rajya Sabha said the govt has launched the eCourts Integrated Mission Mode Project in the country

EC proposal for overseas voters to use e-postal ballot under talks with MEA

An Election Commission proposal to facilitate electronically-transmitted postal ballot system for overseas Indian voters is under discussions with the Ministry of External Affairs to "iron out" logistical challenges involved in its implementation, Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. In a written reply, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also said the total number of overseas electors as on January 1 this year stands at over 1.15 lakh. "The Election Commission of India has taken up a proposal to amend the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 to facilitate electronically-transmitted postal ballot system for overseas electors. The matter is under discussions with the Ministry of External Affairs to iron out the logistical challenges involved in the implementation of the proposal," Rijiju said. According to the EC website, as of now an overseas voter is not issued a photo identity card they are allowed to vote in person at the polling station by producing their original passport. The EC has ...

Govt yet to receive suggestions by HC collegiums for 216 vacancies: Rijiju

Against 334 vacancies in various high courts, 118 recommendations made by HC collegiums are at various stages of processing, while the government is yet to receive recommendations for 216 vacancies of judges, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. In a written reply, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said as on March 10, there was no vacancy in the Supreme Court. In the 25 HCs, against the sanctioned strength of 1,114 judges, 780 judges were working -- a shortfall of 334. "Presently, there are a total of 118 proposals recommended by High Court Collegiums which are at various stages of processing. The recommendations against 216 vacancies in the high courts are yet to be received from the High Court Collegiums," he said. While filling up of vacancies in the high courts is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process requiring consultation and approval from various constitutional authorities, vacancies keep on arising on account of retirement, resignation or elevation of judges to t

Only BJP members allowed to speak in Parliament, says TMC MP Mahua Moitra

In a tweet on Thursday, TMC MP Mahua Moitra said that Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla was allowing 'only BJP' ministers to speak in the parliament

Rahul Gandhi speaking the language of anti-India forces, says Rijiju

The BJP on Thursday launched a fresh salvo on Rahul Gandhi for his democracy remark, with Union Law Minister and party leader Kiren Rijiju alleging that the Congress leader was speaking the language of anti-India forces and a "gang" which had conspired to defame India. Addressing a press conference here, Rijiju said people will question law makers if they don't condemn the act of a fellow MP and seek his apology on the floor of the House for the comments in London. "We speak in the interest of the public, but all the anti-India forces and gang have the same language and line. The language spoken by Rahul Gandhi is the same language spoken by those working against India, conspired against India. He will have to apologise in Parliament. It is our duty to seek his apology," he said. Responding to a question, the minister said if the Congress party feels there is nothing wrong in what he says then it does not deserve to represent the section of people in Parliament. "If he dooms Congre

Marriage must be backed by law which takes into account traditions: Rijiju

Marriage is an institution that has to be regulated by certain laws enacted by parliament which reflects the will of the people, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday, days after the government opposed in the Supreme Court legal validation of same-sex marriage. "The only issue with the government is marriage is an institution, it has sanctity and it must be backed by law which takes into account our traditions, our ethos, our heritage -- There are so many things in our country," he said at the Lokmat National Conclave here. He said as a government, "we are not opposed to any kind of activities done by anybody as a citizen. As a citizen, as long as you follow the law of the land, you are free to do whatever you choose to do". A person of any sex can also choose to lead a particular life which is suitable to him or her, he observed. "But when you talk about marriage, marriage is an institution. Marital institutions are guided by different specific laws ... When it comes to ...

Encroaching powers of other should be fiercely resisted: Law Minister

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said attempts by a constitutional wing to encroach upon the powers of the other should be "fiercely resisted" as it posed a great danger to democracy. Rijiju's remarks at the Commonwealth Law Conference here came days after the Supreme Court ruled that the appointments of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners should be made by the President on the recommendation of a committee comprising the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and the chief justice of India. The apex court had also said that the theory that courts cannot or do not make laws was a myth which was exploded a long time ago. "One of the important success story of democracy is a strong constitutional permission which holds for a clear separation of power for the judiciary, executive and legislature. If any wing tries to encroach on the territory of the other wing, it must be fiercely resisted because it poses great danger to democracy ...

Govt to push bill to remove 65 more obsolete laws in Parl session: Rijiju

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the government would push a bill in the Parliament session, which will resume on March 13, to repeal 65 more obsolete laws and other such provisions. Addressing the 23rd Commonwealth Law Conference in Goa, the minister informed that more than 4.98 crore cases are pending in various courts in India and the pendency would be handled using technology, with a "paperless judiciary" being the ultimate aim of the government. "Today, in every part of our country, every citizen is a beneficiary of the welfare steps taken by the Government of India. As a welfare state, it is very important that we listen to every individual," he said. Rijiju said the Modi government has been at the forefront of taking various steps, especially in creating "ease of living" for common citizens. "Policies of the government regarding the ease of living are successful," he said. The law minister said the government believes that laws are for the people and if laws .

Ultimate target is to make judiciary completely paperless: Kiren Rijiju

Every person today is beneficiary of every step taken by the central government, he said

Indian Judiciary can never be forced to play roles of Oppn party: Rijiju

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju launched a scathing attack on the gang getting support from the anti-India foreign entities in a bid to launch frontal attack against India

Nation cannot celebrate achievements if women, children not safe: Rijiju

A society or a nation cannot celebrate its achievements if its women and children are not safe, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday, dubbing the crime of child sexual abuse as one of the most grave and disconcerting challenges. Addressing a conference on 'Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)', hosted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at the Vigyan Bhawan here, Rijiju said that "we will have to go beyond legal provisions" and society must come together to ensure safety of women and children. He described the conference as "timely and very relevant" and said, "We expect that concrete outcomes will come out of it." In his address, Rijiju underlined that "a society or a nation cannot celebrate its achievements if their women and children are not safe". He particularly stressed on the issue of violence faced by children, and urged all stakeholders and the society to do more. "The violence against children, especially child sexual abuse... I feel, and it is for ..

Not judges but system at fault, taking steps to improve it, says Rijiju

Voicing concern over the rising pendency of cases, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said it is "not the fault of the judge but of the system", and the government is taking more steps to address the issue. We are moving towards the kind of system that should be there in the country, he said while highlighting efforts to repeal redundant and obsolete laws, improve the infrastructure of courts and equip them with technology. The minister was speaking at a conference on 'Sustainable Development in India: Evolution and Legal Perspective' organised by the Law Commission of India at Mohanlal Sukhadia University in Udaipur. The minister said the number of pending cases has crossed 4.90 crore. It is not a good thing to have so many cases pending in any country or society. It has several reasons... the condition of judges is also bad. One judge handles 50-60 cases in a single day. They dispose of so many cases but the number which comes daily is double. "The common man asks why

AI can help arbitrators in document review, analysis, research: Rijiju

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday batted for institutional arbitration in the country and pointed at loopholes in "ad hoc" arbitration, saying such proceedings are susceptible to court interventions which delay the final outcome. He also said artificial intelligence (AI) can help arbitrators in tasks such as document review and analysis, legal research, and drafting of awards. Addressing a Delhi Arbitration Weekend event at the Delhi High Court, he said majority of the people go for "ad hoc" arbitrations where the proceedings are not governed by pre-determined rules. As a result, these proceedings are susceptible to court intervention at various stages which leads to delay in final decision for the parties involved. On the other hand, Rijiju pointed out, institutional arbitrations are regulated by the rules of an institution that provide for a more structured and secure process. In addition, parties can benefit from the expertise of the arbitral institution having good quality ..

Whole ecosystem is in full swing once again: Rijiju's swipe at Congress

In an apparent swipe at the Congress after it questioned the appointment of a retired Supreme Court judge as a governor, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said the "whole ecosystem" is once again in "full swing" over the issue. They should better understand that they can no longer treat India as their "personal fiefdom", the minister said, without naming anyone. The government on Sunday appointed six new faces as governors, including Justice S Abdul Nazeer (retd), who was part of the historic 2019 Ayodhya verdict, and four BJP leaders, besides carrying out a rejig of the gubernatorial posts in seven states. Nazeer has been appointed as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh. The Congress attacked the government over Nazeer's appointment and called the move a "great threat" to the independence of the judiciary. Taking to Twitter, Rijiju said India will be guided by the provisions of the Constitution. "The Whole Eco-system is once again in full swing on the appointment of a Governo

Two HC judges elevated to SC, total strength of apex court reaches 34

Two high court chief justices were on Friday elevated to the Supreme Court, bringing the total strength of the apex court to its maximum of 34 judges. "As per the provisions under the Constitution of India, Hon'ble President of India has appointed the following Chief Justices of High Courts as Judges of the Supreme Court. My best to them: Rajesh Bindal, Chief Justice, Allahabad HC and Aravind Kumar, Chief Justice, Gujarat HC," Law Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted. Once they take oath, the top court will achieve its full strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. Their names were recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium last month. Last week, five judges were appointed to the Supreme Court.

Proposals for transfer of 10 HC judges under process: Kiren Rijiju

Proposals for transfer of 10 high court judges are under various stages of processing, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju told Lok Sabha on Friday. Rijiju's statement comes days after the Supreme Court expressed displeasure over Centre's delay in clearing recommendations for transfer of HC judges, saying it was a very serious issue. In his written reply, the minister asserted that "no timeline" has been prescribed in the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for transfer of judges from one high court to another. "As on February 06, 2023, proposals for transfer of 10 high court judges from one high court to other high courts are under various stages of processing," Rijiju said. He said judges of high courts are transferred according to the procedure laid down in the MoP prepared in 1998. As per the existing MoP, the proposal for transfer of high court judges is initiated by the Chief Justice of India in consultation with four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, he pointed out. The MoP further

Pending court cases near 50 mn, initiatives being taken to expedite: Govt

Pending cases across various courts in the country are moving towards the five crore-mark with an over 4.32 crore backlog in subordinate courts, according to data shared by the government in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. In separate written replies, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said as on December 31, 2022, the total pending cases in district and subordinate courts was pegged at over 4.32 crore. He also said over 69,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, while there is a backlog of more than 59 lakh cases in the country's 25 high courts. Citing details available on the Supreme Court website, Rijiju said 69,511 cases were pending in the top court as on February 1. "There are 59,87,477 cases pending in high courts across the country, as per the information available on National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) on February 1, 2023," he said. Out of these, 10.30 lakh cases were pending in the Allahabad High Court -- the biggest high court of the country. The Sikkim High Court has the least num

Govt returned 10 proposals reiterated by SC Collegium: Govt in RS

Amid an ongoing tiff between the Executive and the Judiciary over the procedure to appoint judges, the government has asked the Supreme Court Collegium to reconsider 10 proposals reiterated by it, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju told Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Out of these 10 proposals, the SC Collegium has reiterated its earlier recommendation for appointment in three cases. On the remaining seven reiterated proposals, the collegium has sought additional inputs from the high court collegium, he said in a written reply to a question. "Ten proposals reiterated by SCC (Supreme Court Collegium) were recently referred back to the SCC for reconsideration," he said. In view of various reports and input received by the government, which in its opinion warrant further consideration by the Collegium, the Centre has sent such reiterated cases for reconsideration as was done in the past as well, Rijiju explained. "There have been instances in the past when the SC Collegium had agreed to the views ...

No provision for reservation in judiciary, says Kiren Rijiju in Parliament

The government informed Parliament on Thursday that the existing policy does not provide for reservation in the judiciary but judges, especially collegium members, have been told to keep in mind sections of people who are not represented adequately while making their recommendations for appointments of judges. During Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva asked if the government would consider the possibility of introducing a reservation policy in the appointment of judges. Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "As per the existing policy and provision, there is no reservation in the Indian judiciary." "However, I have already reminded all the honourable judges, especially the collegium members, to keep in mind while recommending the names to include members from backward communities, women and other categories which are not represented adequately in the Indian judiciary," he added. Responding to a separate query on the pendency of cases in Gujarat, Ministe

Bombay HC dismisses PIL seeking action on VP Dhankhar, Law Minister Rijiju

The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation filed against Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for their remarks on judiciary and the collegium system for appointment of judges. The plea filed by Bombay Lawyers Association had claimed Rijiju and Dhankhar showed lack of faith in the Constitution with their remarks and conduct. It had sought for orders to restrain Dhankhar from discharging duty as the vice president, and Rijiju from discharging duty as cabinet minister for the central government. The PIL claimed the "frontal attack not just on the judiciary but the Constitution" by the two executive officials has lowered the prestige of the Supreme Court in public. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice Sandeep Marne briefly heard the petitioner's lawyer, Ahmed Abdi, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh for the respondents. "We are not inclined to grant any relief. The petition is