PM Modi Champions 'Ease of Justice': A Multi-Pronged Approach to Legal Reform

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated a comprehensive vision for judicial reform centered on the principle of "Ease of Justice," positioning it as a fundamental prerequisite for achieving "Ease of Living" and "Ease of Doing Business." Speaking at the national conference on strengthening legal aid delivery mechanisms, organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) at the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister outlined a multi-faceted strategy focused on accessibility, technological integration, and systemic simplification to make justice a tangible reality for every Indian citizen.

The address, delivered to an audience that included Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, underscored the government's commitment to transforming the legal landscape. "Justice must be available to everyone; ease of justice is a must to ensure ease of living and ease of doing business,” PM Modi stated, framing the initiative not as a mere procedural overhaul but as a cornerstone of social justice.

This high-level focus on judicial reform signals a continued policy push that will have significant implications for legal practitioners, the judiciary, and the millions who interact with the Indian justice system. The Prime Minister's framework rests on three critical pillars: enhancing access through language and legal aid, driving efficiency via technology, and simplifying the legal framework itself.

Pillar 1: Expanding Access Through Language and Legal Aid

A central theme of the address was the urgent need to dismantle linguistic barriers within the justice system. The Prime Minister forcefully argued that for justice to be truly delivered, it must be understood by its recipients. “The language of law should be one that is understood by those seeking justice,” he asserted, highlighting that complex legal jargon alienates the common citizen.

He called for judgments and legal documents to be made widely available in local languages, a move he believes would lead to "better compliance and fewer lawsuits." Commending the Supreme Court's recent initiative to translate over 80,000 judgments into 18 regional languages, PM Modi expressed his confidence that this effort would cascade down to the High Courts and district-level judiciary. This emphasis on linguistic accessibility presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the legal profession, potentially requiring new skills in multilingual legal drafting and interpretation, and fostering a more inclusive courtroom environment.

Complementing this is a renewed focus on strengthening legal aid mechanisms. The Prime Minister lauded the work of NALSA and associated bodies in providing crucial support to marginalized communities. He noted that through initiatives like the government-backed Legal Aid Defence Counsel System, nearly 800,000 criminal cases have been resolved in just three years. Furthermore, he highlighted the success of Lok Adalats and pre-litigation settlements in resolving millions of disputes amicably and cost-effectively, delivering justice to the "poor, Dalits, oppressed, exploited, and deprived sections of the country.”

Chief Justice B.R. Gavai echoed this sentiment, describing the provision of legal aid as a foundational act of "nation building." He framed the legal aid movement as a means to realize Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of transformation, stating its aim is "to give voice and dignity to those unheard."

Pillar 2: Technology as a Catalyst for Efficiency and Inclusion

The Prime Minister identified technology as a transformative force in making the justice system more efficient, transparent, and humane. He cited the e-Courts Project as a prime example of digital empowerment, which is streamlining judicial processes and breaking down geographical barriers. “From e-filing to electronic service of summons, from virtual hearings to video conferencing, technology has simplified everything. The path to securing justice has become easier,” he said.

The government's commitment to this digital transformation was reinforced by the allocation of ₹7,000 crore for the third phase of the e-Courts project. This investment is poised to further integrate digital tools into daily legal practice, impacting everything from case management and evidence presentation to client communication. For legal professionals, adapting to these digital platforms is no longer optional but essential for maintaining professional competence and efficiency. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal urged the youth, in particular, to view justice delivery as a "citizen-centric service" and to leverage digital platforms in line with the 'Digital India' vision.

Pillar 3: Decriminalisation and Simplification of Laws

The third pillar of the "Ease of Justice" agenda involves a systemic effort to declutter and modernize India’s vast legal framework. The Prime Minister detailed significant steps taken to eliminate archaic laws and reduce regulatory burdens, which often act as impediments to both business and individual liberty.

He reported that over 1,500 outdated laws have been repealed, and more than 40,000 "unnecessary compliances" have been eliminated. A key legislative instrument in this effort is the Jan Vishwas Act, through which over 3,400 legal provisions have been decriminalised, reducing the scope for minor infractions to lead to criminal proceedings. This move is intended to unclog the courts and foster an environment of trust rather than punitive oversight.

Furthermore, he pointed to the replacement of colonial-era laws with new codes like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as a landmark step towards creating a legal system that is more aligned with contemporary Indian values and needs. This ambitious legislative overhaul represents a paradigm shift that will require the entire legal fraternity to re-learn, adapt, and apply new principles of criminal and civil law.

The Way Forward: Mediation and Community Involvement

During the conference, the Prime Minister also launched a Community Mediation Training Module prepared by NALSA. He emphasised that mediation and amicable dispute resolution are deeply rooted in Indian tradition and that the new Mediation Act codifies this civilisational ethos in a modern legal form. This official endorsement of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms signals a clear policy direction aimed at reducing the judiciary's caseload and promoting faster, more collaborative resolutions.

The two-day NALSA conference will continue to deliberate on the key components of this vision, focusing on practical aspects like the management of legal services institutions, the role of paralegal volunteers, and the functioning of Permanent Lok Adalats.

Ultimately, the call for "Ease of Justice" is a comprehensive roadmap for reform. It challenges the legal community to embrace linguistic diversity, adopt technology, advocate for simplified laws, and promote ADR. It reframes the concept of justice from a complex, often inaccessible process to a fundamental public service that must be efficient, equitable, and understandable to all.