12-04-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor on “Making Access to Justice Easier” at the North Region Regional Conference organized by the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority

Jai Hind!

Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami; Hon’ble Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Vikram Nath; Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal; Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta; Hon’ble Senior Judge of the Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari; respected judges of the Supreme Court and various High Courts; distinguished delegates, legal experts, and all esteemed dignitaries—

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone present at this important regional conference of the North Region. I warmly welcome the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, to the sacred land of Uttarakhand. Coming from a humble background and now serving at the highest judicial office, his legal expertise and dedication to justice continue to strengthen our judicial system.

It is a matter of great pride for me to address this significant conference held in the serene and spiritual presence of the Himalayas. Today, we have gathered to deliberate on the important theme “Making Access to Justice Easier,” which is not merely a subject of legal systems but forms the very soul of our democracy, the foundation of our constitutional commitment, and the essence of our social responsibility.

Justice, in its true and broader sense, is not confined within the four walls of courts. It is a living and dynamic concept that provides dignity to individuals, balance to society, and stability to the nation.

In our ancient Indian thought, justice has never been merely a legal concept—it has symbolized righteousness, compassion, and harmony. The timeless principle that “when we protect justice, justice protects us” reminds us of its importance. Thus, justice is not just a system, but a living belief upon which the foundation of society rests.

However, we must acknowledge that when justice is distant, delayed, or expensive, it loses its true essence. In such situations, it becomes ineffective and often appears similar to injustice. It is to address this very challenge that we have gathered here today—to bridge the gap between justice and the citizen.

Our Constitution ensures that under Articles 39A, 14, 19, and 21, access to justice is a fundamental right of every citizen, and no one should be deprived of it due to economic or social reasons. This is not only a constitutional provision but also a national commitment that must be realized in practice.

For a Himalayan state like Uttarakhand, this issue becomes even more significant. Here, access to justice is not only a legal challenge but also a geographical and social one. In remote areas like Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi, reaching justice remains difficult.

Due to migration, many villages are left with elderly residents living alone, who face challenges in protecting their rights and accessing justice. This situation compels us to reflect on whether our justice system is truly reaching those who need it the most.

Additionally, Uttarakhand is a state sensitive to natural disasters. Incidents like Kedarnath and Chamoli have taught us that relief and rehabilitation alone are not enough after disasters. Affected families must receive timely compensation and dignified rehabilitation—this too is a form of justice.

We must also consider the human dimensions of justice. In the case of undertrial prisoners, justice must not be viewed only from a punitive perspective but also from a humanitarian one. Every individual, regardless of circumstances, is entitled to fundamental rights. Similarly, in cases of acid attack survivors, women, and children, we must ensure not just justice but also rehabilitation, dignity, and respect.

The topics being discussed in this conference—forest rights, women’s safety, child protection, and social justice—highlight that justice is not limited to law alone but is connected to every aspect of life. We must build a justice system that is sensitive, inclusive, and humane.

In this context, the work of the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority is commendable. It has evolved beyond a legal mechanism into a powerful force for social change. Initiatives like litigation-free villages in 1,842 villages and the “One Village–One Free Legal Service” campaign through 15,000 volunteers have taken justice to the grassroots level.

Campaigns like “New Light” demonstrate that our justice system is not merely formal but also compassionate and responsive. These efforts prove that when determination and sensitivity come together, justice can truly reach every individual.

Technology also plays a crucial role in this direction. The launch of the “Nyaya Mitra Portal” reflects our commitment to making justice more accessible through digital means. In line with the vision of “Digital India,” we must ensure that technology becomes a bridge to justice, not a barrier. The success of digital solutions lies in empowering the last person in society.

At the same time, strengthening the Lok Adalat system is the need of the hour. Lok Adalats make justice simple, speedy, and accessible. They not only expedite legal processes but also promote mutual understanding and harmony in society. They are a powerful example of the humane face of justice.

Ultimately, increasing access to justice is a collective responsibility of the judiciary, executive, legislature, and society. We must develop a coordinated system where every institution understands its role and works towards delivering justice to all.

Let us build a justice system where justice is not only available but accessible and timely; where it moves beyond paper into the lives of people; where distance does not become a barrier to rights; and where justice becomes not just a decision but the strongest foundation of citizens’ trust.

I am confident that the deliberations in this conference will significantly contribute to making India’s justice system stronger, more transparent, and more inclusive.

With these words, I conclude my address.

Vande Mataram! Victory to Mother India! Jai Hind!