Law commission chief calls for Indianisation of legal system
Law commission chief calls for Indianisation of legal system
## Calls Grow for Systemic Overhaul of Indian Legal Framework, Emphasizing Indigenous Principles
**Lucknow:** A prominent voice within the Indian legal community has advocated for a fundamental restructuring of the nation’s justice delivery system, urging a shift towards a framework rooted in indigenous Indian principles and traditions. Speaking at a recent event at Lok Bhavan, the call for reform resonated with attendees, igniting a renewed debate on the relevance and efficacy of the current legal structure.
The speaker, a leading figure in the Law Commission, argued that the existing system, largely inherited from colonial-era legislation, is increasingly disconnected from the socio-cultural realities of contemporary India. He emphasized the need to move beyond a purely adversarial model and incorporate restorative justice principles, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian legal texts and practices.
The proposed overhaul encompasses several key areas. One critical aspect is the simplification of legal language, which is often perceived as inaccessible to the average citizen. The speaker proposed the increased use of regional languages in court proceedings and legal documentation, ensuring greater transparency and understanding for all stakeholders.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to integrate alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, more effectively into the formal legal system. These methods, deeply embedded in Indian tradition, offer a more efficient and culturally sensitive approach to resolving conflicts, potentially reducing the burden on overburdened courts and fostering amicable settlements.
The discussion also touched upon the need to re-evaluate the curriculum of legal education, emphasizing the study of Indian legal history, philosophy, and jurisprudence. This would equip future generations of lawyers with a deeper understanding of the nation’s legal heritage and enable them to contribute to the development of a truly Indian legal system.
While the speaker acknowledged the complexities involved in such a comprehensive undertaking, he expressed confidence in the potential benefits of a legal system that reflects the values and aspirations of the Indian people. He highlighted the importance of engaging in a broad-based consultation process, involving legal experts, academics, civil society organizations, and the general public, to ensure that the reforms are inclusive and sustainable.
The initiative has already sparked considerable discussion within legal circles. Supporters argue that it represents a necessary step towards decolonizing the Indian legal system and creating a more just and equitable society. Critics, however, caution against abandoning established legal principles and procedures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a system that upholds the rule of law and protects individual rights.
The debate underscores the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in India’s legal landscape. As the nation continues to evolve, the question of how to reconcile its rich cultural heritage with the demands of a globalized world remains a central challenge. The call for a “Bharatiya” legal system represents a bold attempt to address this challenge, potentially reshaping the future of justice in India. The coming months will be crucial in determining the scope and direction of this ambitious reform agenda, and whether it can successfully bridge the gap between the past and the present, creating a legal framework that is both effective and authentically Indian.
This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.
