Legislature not assessing impact of laws passed, leading to big issues: CJI

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana on Saturday said the Legislature does not conduct studies or assess the impact of laws it passes, which leads to big issues.

Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the two-day Constitution Day celebrations which concluded here today, Justice Ramana said, “Introduction of Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act is an example. Now, the already burdened Magistrates will be further burdened by thousands of these cases.

“I ask the Central government to consider setting up of a National Judicial Infrastructure Authority, which will address the infrastructural requirements of the judiciary and also fill up the vacancies of judges,” he added.

The CJI further said that Law Minister Kiren Rijiju had said the Centre was committed to provide adequate infrastructure to judiciary to make justice delivery system efficient and that the government was sensitive towards the needs of the judiciary.

He said celebrating the Constitution Day was not new. However this year, it has been special because the three organs of the State have come together to exchange their views on various issues.

“Although we are tirelessly working to uphold the Constitution, there is still need to spread more understanding about the Constitution. If people are unaware about their rights and entitlements, they cannot claim benefit from the same. People also need to know the scope and limitations of the roles ascribed to different organs of the state,” the CJI added.

He said, “We need to clear the prevailing misconceptions. For example, many people in this country believe that it is the Courts which make the laws. Another set of misunderstandings relate to the belief that the Courts are responsible for liberal acquittals and adjournments. However, the truth is that the public prosecutors, advocates and parties, all have to co-operate with the judicial process.

“Non-cooperation, procedural lapses and faulty investigation cannot be blamed on Courts. There are issues with the judiciary that need to be addressed. This is one of the reasons I am so glad that all the Chief Justices and senior Judges in India were able to participate in this event,” he added.