Srinagar, July 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stressed the need to democratize access to justice and make it not merely available, but accessible and said that the true test of the country’s legal system lies in its treatment of the weaker sections of the society.
Speaking at the North Zone Regional Conference of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on ‘Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel & Tribals’ at SKICC, the Chief Minister pressed for establishing robust coordination among legal service authorities, military legal cells, Zila Sainik Boards, and regimental welfare offices & simultaneously, technology must be harnessed to democratize access through mobile apps, virtual consultation platforms, and user friendly legal information portals.
Justice in our times must not merely be available; it must also be accessible,” he said.
He lauded the J&K State Legal Services Authority for amending its legal aid rules to expressly include serving and retired defence personnel, as well as the recent procedural reforms introduced by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, which he said merit appreciation for easing access to justice for uniformed citizens. These steps are laudable, but they must mark the beginning of a deeper institutional engagement.
There is a pressing need to establish robust coordination among legal service authorities, military legal cells, Zila Sainik Boards, and regimental welfare offices,” he added.
Omar added that Jammu and Kashmir is home to several Scheduled Tribes, including Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, Gaddis, and Sippis, who have preserved ancient traditions while braving difficult terrain. The true test of our legal system lies in its treatment of all the weaker sections of the society, including those who have defended us without question and those whose rights have too often gone unrecognized.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the sensitive balance that must be maintained between national security and the rights of tribal citizens.
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