Visakhapatnam, Nov 2 (FN Agency) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for making justice accessible and affordable to all and bringing down the delays in Courts. Inaugurating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations on the theme of “Spirit of Freedom Struggle: Way Forward”, organized by Damodoram Sanjivayya Law University here, Mt Naidu said “We need to find ways to address huge pendency cases and inordinate delays in courts as timeliness is crucial to rendering justice”. The focus of the Union Government and States should be on filling up judicial vacancies and creating requisite infrastructure, he said the cost of the legal process should not become an impediment to the common man’s access to the justice system. The Vice President stressed that faculties of law universities have to play a key role in training students to become change agents and bring about a transformation in the administration of the justice system in the country.
He urged the legal fraternity to fight for the cause of suppressed and oppressed people and provide them with legal aid. It should be ensured that people get their entitlements without any dilution or diversion. The legal fraternity should get into action if the entitlements are not delivered, Mr Naidu averred. He called for optimal use of Information Technology to ensure speedier justice to people and also called for fully leveraging alternative dispute redress mechanisms. Observing that the Preamble of the Constitution reflects the overarching vision of our freedom fighters, Mr Venkaiah said “we have solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic and to secure to all its citizens: Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. Referring to the strides made by the country in different fields since Independence, the Vice President said that we cannot rest on our past laurels. He said the time has come for a massive national movement on the lines of the freedom struggle to eliminate poverty, gender discrimination, illiteracy, casteism and corruption, among others.
Cautioning against attempts by forces inimical to India to create divisions in the name of religion, region, language or other issues, he urged the youth to be at the forefront of this national campaign to transform the lives of the people and contribute their might towards building a strong, prosperous, healthier and happy India. Referring to the sacrifices made by a countless number of freedom fighters to liberate the country from the yoke of foreign rule, Mr Venkaiah said the school textbooks must highlight the sacrifices and role of all freedom fighters and social reformers and make the youngsters aware of the country’s rich history in detail. Earlier, the Vice President paid glowing tributes to Damodaram Sanjivayya on the occasion of the birth centenary celebrations conducted by the University. He said that Damodaram Sanjivayya is remembered for his honesty, integrity and commitment to serving the nation selflessly. It truly is an honour that this university is named after such a great son of India, Mr Naidu added. Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. S. Surya Prakash, Registrar, Prof. K. Madhusudhana Rao, faculty and students are among those who were present on the occasion.