Constitution Day event sees CM highlight push for a faster, citizen-friendly justice system

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked Constitution Day in Dehradun by leading an oath ceremony and speaking about the need for a modern, transparent, and accessible justice system. The event took place at the Police Lines, where he administered the Preamble oath and released the annual publication of the Prosecution Department. Senior officials from the police and prosecution departments attended the ceremony to reflect on the Constitution’s importance in shaping India’s democracy.

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended greetings on the occasion of Constitution Day, also known earlier as Law Day. He paid tribute to B. R. Ambedkar and reminded everyone that November 26 holds special significance because the Constituent Assembly adopted the final draft of the Constitution on this date in 1949. He spoke about how the day was initially observed as Law Day due to the efforts of legal expert L. M. Singhvi and the Supreme Court Bar Association in 1979. Later, in 2015, the central government officially declared it Constitution Day to honour India’s democratic values and the drafting of the Constitution.

During his speech, the Chief Minister said that the Constitution continues to guide the country’s progress and remains the foundation for ensuring justice, equality, and freedom. He emphasised that every citizen should understand the Constitution’s values and work collectively to protect them. He added that Constitution Day is an opportunity to renew the commitment to democratic principles and strengthen public awareness of rights and duties.

Dhami also highlighted the government’s efforts to make the justice system faster, more efficient, and more citizen-friendly. He said that the Prosecution Department plays a key role in ensuring fairness and transparency within the justice process. To improve its functioning, the state government has introduced several reforms aimed at strengthening investigations, modernising administrative processes, and improving service delivery.

The Chief Minister said that financial assistance has been provided for awareness programmes related to the newly introduced criminal laws. These include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. According to him, these laws represent a major shift toward a more contemporary and citizen-focused legal framework. They also include provisions that recognise digital evidence, such as electronic records and digital documents, which will make investigations more scientific and reliable.

Dhami noted that the state government is also supporting digitisation projects within the Prosecution Department. These digital tools are expected to improve record management, speed up communication, and help officers work more effectively. He added that the department is planning to introduce awards to encourage outstanding performance, along with specialised training programmes. These training sessions will help officers communicate better with people across various linguistic regions of Uttarakhand, ensuring that the justice system reaches every part of the state.

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Focus on justice reforms

The Chief Minister spoke about several nationwide legal reforms and digital projects that are helping to modernise the justice system. He mentioned national-level initiatives such as the e-courts project, the National Judicial Data Grid, fast-track courts, and digital case management systems. These efforts aim to reduce delays, improve transparency, and make courts more accessible for ordinary citizens. According to him, the use of technology is changing how people interact with the legal system, making it easier for them to access information and track the progress of their cases.

Dhami said that these reforms are gradually bringing positive changes and ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely manner. He pointed out that digital tools such as virtual hearings, online case filing, and electronic documentation have already reduced the burden on physical courts. They have also made it easier for citizens living in remote areas to connect with the justice system without traveling long distances.

At the state level, the government is working on expanding court infrastructure, improving virtual hearing facilities, and strengthening e-filing mechanisms. Dhami said that additional investments are being made to modernise courtrooms, upgrade technological facilities, and make legal processes more efficient. He highlighted that Uttarakhand has also introduced a strict anti-cheating law to ensure fairness during examinations and competitive tests. This law is expected to strengthen accountability and restore public trust in recruitment processes.

The Chief Minister also spoke about reforms in legal education and mentorship programmes for young advocates. He said that the government aims to create opportunities for new lawyers to learn and grow, enabling them to contribute effectively to the justice system. Special efforts are also being made to create safer and more supportive workplaces for women lawyers. This includes measures to prevent harassment, improve working conditions, and encourage more women to take up leadership roles in the legal profession.

Dhami concluded by saying that the state government is committed to building a justice system that is transparent, modern, and accessible to all citizens. He emphasised the need for continuous improvement and urged everyone to work together in strengthening the legal framework. According to him, a strong and fair justice system is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that the rights of all citizens are protected.