CJI Surya Kant Flags Off 'Nyaya Ro Saathi' Vehicles; Calls For Reframing ADR As Primary Pillar Of Justice Delivery

The event was held under the stewardship of Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court and Executive Chairman, RSLSA, and was executed by Shri Hari Om Attri, Member Secretary, RSLSA.

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant attended as the Chief Guest, while Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma was the Special Guest of Honour. The programme was also attended by judges of the Rajasthan High Court, former judges, members of the Bar, and academia.

A key highlight of the event was the flag-off of the Multi Utility Vehicles “Nyaya Ro Saathi” by the Chief Justice of India, provided by the National Legal Services Authority, aimed at strengthening grassroots access to legal services and outreach to remote and underserved communities.

During his address, the Chief Justice of India emphasized the continuing role of judges beyond retirement, observing that judicial responsibility is a lifelong commitment. He stated that “Alternative Dispute Resolution” should not be viewed as secondary but as an equally effective mode of justice delivery, particularly for accessible and cost-effective remedies. He also highlighted the need for a structured framework, including a national registry, to engage retired judges as mediators, arbitrators, educators, and mentors.

The conference also witnessed the unveiling of a Book and Souvenir and the launch of URIN. The inaugural session included ceremonial proceedings such as the welcome of dignitaries, lighting of the lamp, felicitation, and presentation of the NALSA theme song.

In his address, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma underscored the importance of ADR in reducing judicial burden and ensuring timely justice, while highlighting the role of retired judges in strengthening mediation, arbitration, and legal awareness initiatives.

Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, in his vision statement, outlined a framework for integrating the experience of retired judges into ADR mechanisms, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in justice delivery.

Former judges including Justice K. L. Sharma, Justice N. K. Jain, and Justice V. S. Dave emphasized the importance of continued engagement of retired judges in strengthening the legal services framework and access to justice.

The conference included two working sessions featuring judges and former judges such as Justice Ajay Rastogi (Retd.), Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur, Justice Rajesh Tandon (Retd.), Justice Mohammad Rafiq (Retd.), Justice Ashok Kumar Jain, Justice Sanjeet Purohit, Justice Vineet Kothari (Retd.), and Justice Bhanwar Singh (Retd.). The sessions focused on ADR mechanisms, mediation practices, and legal awareness.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony for former judges and a vote of thanks delivered by Shri Hari Om Attri, followed by the National Anthem.