NEW DELHI: Justice Chandra Dhari Singh has said that decolonisation of the Indian legal system is an important pillar to shun all the relics of colonialism.
Judges and lawyers, he said, should make all efforts to Indianise the legal system by studying Indian schools of interpretation and applying them in pleading, arguments and judgments.
The Delhi High Court judge’s remarks are in consonance with the Modi Government’s efforts to scrap all colonial-era laws from the statute books.
“Today, dear friends, is a momentous occasion when India is celebrating its 75th year of Indian Independence – Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, where we as Indians have steadfastly resolved to become a developed nation and to shun all the relics of colonialism.
Decolonisation of the Indian legal system is an important pillar for achieving this milestone,” Justice Singh said while speaking at a meeting of the Adhivakta Parishad, a body of lawyers, held in New Delhi recently.
He further said that an increase in legal literacy ultimately develops into a transparent and accountable Government. “Legal Literacy is an important facet of empowerment for an ordinary citizen. Government programmes alone, however well intentioned, may not be able to break the barriers built over the centuries during the colonial period. For major social reformation, efforts are required to bring about a change in the society,” he said. According to him, legal literacy ultimately develops into a transparent and accountable Government and upholds the rule of Law.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh also said that legal aid and legal literacy are two schemes of paramount importance that must reach the doorsteps of the underprivileged.
