Indore, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday called for a more inclusive and people-centric justice delivery system, stressing that meaningful access to justice begins with listening to people and understanding their concerns in their own languages and dialects.
Inaugurating the two-day West Zone Regional Conference on ‘Enhancing Access to Justice’ in Indore, the CJI said the conference themes — ‘United Voice’ and ‘Stronger Tomorrow’ — highlighted the importance of dialogue, dignity and inclusion in the justice system.
He said these principles should shape the way the legal system interacts with citizens rather than remain merely slogans.
“I do not view these words merely as slogans for a banner, instead, I see them as an accurate description of what the legal system looks like when it truly functions,” Justice Surya Kant said.
Referring to Indore’s historical association with Devi Ahilya Bai, the CJI recalled her practice of directly meeting farmers, widows and traders without intermediaries. He said the absence of a barrier between the ruler and people made Indore an appropriate venue for a conference focused on access to justice.
Justice Surya Kant emphasised that a collective voice can emerge only when individual voices are heard.
“Access to justice has never been built by laws alone; it begins with a conversation. Before justice is delivered, people must feel that they have been heard,” he said.
Highlighting the role of paralegal volunteers and legal services institutions, the CJI said local problems often require local solutions and that understanding those problems requires direct engagement with communities.
He stressed that legal services personnel should be familiar with local languages and dialects to properly understand the concerns of ordinary citizens.
“Unless you communicate in their language and truly grasp the concerns of the common people by listening to their own words, how can you devise a solution?” he said.
The CJI also underlined that dialogue must be a two-way process, with the justice system not only communicating decisions but also listening to communities and understanding their difficulties.
The conference is being held on August 8 and 9 under the joint aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Jabalpur, and the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, office-bearers of Legal Services Authorities, judicial officers and other distinguished citizens are attending the conference.
Justice Surya Kant, who is the Patron-in-Chief of NALSA, inaugurated the event along with other judges by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
The conference will deliberate on strengthening legal aid, mediation, community-level dispute resolution and other mechanisms aimed at making justice more accessible and inclusive.
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