New Delhi: Nyaya Ro Saathi vehicles were launched by CJI Surya Kant, marking a major step toward improving grassroots legal access in India. Speaking at the event, the CJI emphasized that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) must no longer be seen as secondary but as a primary pillar of justice delivery.
The initiative reflects a broader push to make justice more accessible, faster, and cost-effective, especially for people in remote and underserved areas.
What are Nyaya Ro Saathi Vehicles
The Chief Justice flagged off “Nyaya Ro Saathi” multi-utility vehicles, an initiative supported by the National Legal Services Authority.
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These vehicles aim to:
- Provide legal aid at the grassroots level
- Reach remote and underserved communities
- Improve awareness of legal rights and services
The program was launched during an event attended by judiciary members, legal professionals, and state officials.
ADR Should Not Be ‘Alternative’ Anymore: CJI’s Key Message
In a strong policy statement, CJI Surya Kant said that ADR mechanisms like mediation, arbitration, and conciliation should not be treated as secondary options.
Instead, he emphasized:
- ADR must be equally important as traditional courts
- It offers faster and cost-effective solutions
- It reduces the burden on the judiciary
He highlighted that justice delivery should evolve to include multiple accessible pathways, not just court trials.
Nyaya Ro Saathi Vehicles: Focus on Accessible and Affordable Justice
The initiative aligns with the judiciary’s broader goal of:
- Making justice accessible regardless of location
- Ensuring affordability for common citizens
- Promoting efficient dispute resolution
CJI Surya Kant has consistently stressed that justice should not depend on geography or financial capacity, but should be available to all citizens equally.
Role of Retired Judges in Strengthening ADR
Another important point raised by the CJI was the continued role of judges even after retirement.
He noted:
- Judicial responsibility is a lifelong commitment
- Retired judges can contribute significantly to ADR systems
- Their experience can improve dispute resolution quality and speed
This approach can help bridge the gap between rising case loads and limited judicial resources.
Nyaya Ro Saathi Vehicles: A Shift Towards a Modern Justice System
The push for ADR as a primary pillar signals a structural shift in India’s legal system:
- From litigation-heavy to resolution-focused
- From centralized courts to community-level access
- From delayed justice to timely settlements
Experts believe this could reduce pendency and improve public trust in the justice system.
Read also: National Registry of Retired Judges: How CJI Surya Kant Idea Could Solve Court Backlog Crisis
