Chief Minister Hemant Soren today raised an important issue of minimal representation of tribal communities in the judiciary and sought a system through which its representation could be increased. “I would like to draw the attention of the dignitaries present towards an important issue. The negligible presence of tribal communities in the Superior Judicial Service in the state of Jharkhand is a matter of concern. There is no provision of reservation in the appointment process of this service. Since the Judges of the High Court are appointed from this service, the position is the same in the High Court. Therefore, I would like that a provision for reservation should be made in the appointment process of senior judicial service in this tribal-dominated state,” said the CM during the inauguration programme of the new High Court building in Ranchi on Wednesday.
 
The CM welcomed the dignitaries in Jharkhand, the land of heroes and said that it is a moment of pride for crores of people of Jharkhand as well as for him. He said that the Jharkhand High Court building has been constructed at a cost of Rs 600 crore in this complex spread over about 165 acres. In a tribal dominated small state, this building and premises is bigger than any High Court building and premises in the country. I hope that the state of Jharkhand where tribals, Dalits, backward and poor people are in majority. This institute will prove to be a milestone in the direction of providing them simple, accessible, cheap and speedy justice.
 
“Last year, on the occasion of Constitution Day on November 26, 2022, the President had expressed her concern over the increasing number of undertrial prisoners lodged in jails across the country. In Jharkhand also, a large number of poor tribals, Dalits, minorities and weaker sections are imprisoned in jails for petty crimes. This is a matter of concern. There is a need for serious brainstorming on this,” he said.
 
“Last year, we prepared a list of such cases, which were pending for more than 05 years for research. Their number was about 3,600 (three thousand six hundred). Out of these, more than 3,400 (three thousand four hundred) cases have been executed by running a campaign. Now we have prepared a list of cases pending for more than 04 years. Their number is also about 3,200 (three thousand two hundred). Efforts are being made to complete these cases within the next six months, I am constantly monitoring this,” he added.
 
The CM said that due to shortage of assistant public prosecutors in the subordinate judiciary, there were problems in execution of cases. Last month alone we appointed 107 Assistant Public Prosecutors and I hope that this will speed up the disposal of cases.
 
“I have got the opportunity to listen to the Chief Justice of India. You are concerned about enhancing the dignity and infrastructure of the subordinate judiciary. I would like to tell you that in the state of Jharkhand, a lot of good work have been done regarding the infrastructure of the subordinate judiciary. I think our state is in the best position in the country. Today, a total of 506 judicial officers are working in Jharkhand, for whom 658 court rooms and 639 residences are available. The state government will give priority to the requirements for the infrastructure of the subordinate judiciary in the future as well,” he said.
 
Soren further said that a good initiative is being taken by the Chief Justice of India for how to make the judicial system simple, accessible, cheap and fast by using technology. I appreciate it and would like to assure you that if any project for this work is prepared for Jharkhand, the government will fully support it.
 
“I believe that there is an urgent need for the work of the courts to be done in local languages, so that the distance between the temples of justice and the poor common people can be reduced. It should also be made compulsory for judicial officers and assistant public prosecutors to learn at least one local language, so that justice can be made more accessible,” said the CM.