The judiciary can ‘‘clip the wings’’ of any organ of governance which crossed its limits, observed Chief Justice of India Justice R C Lahoti at a seminar here today.‘‘The Executive, Legislature and Judiciary should work in accordance with constitutional provisions and if any crosses its jurisdiction, the judiciary can clip its wings,’’ he said, addressing a seminar on ‘‘speedy and affordable justice and cooperation between the Judiciary and the Executive’’.It is the duty of the judiciary to ensure that laws framed by the Legislature were in conformity to the provisions in the Constitution, he said adding that the Executive should avoid excesses while implementing laws.Lahoti said the three organs should carry out their responsibilities in a dignified manner and strengthen one another.On delay in delivery of justice, he said an independent agency should be formed for alternative dispute resolution through methods like conciliation and mediation should be adopted to substantially reduce the number of cases reaching courts.Citing an example, he said about 46 per cent of the disputes were handled through an alternative resolution mechanism in California, of which 94 per cent were resolved.Court hearings through video conferencing and formation of committees to resolve disputes in government departments would not only save time but also money, he added. Stating that many disputes can be resolved without courts intervening, Justice Lahoti said internal arrangements should be made by the government by forming committees of senior officials and experts for the purpose.Regretting that no concrete step had been taken for overhauling the legal system and obsolete laws, the CJI said reports of police reform commissions were gathering dust.Expressing hope that the recommendations of the Shetty Commission on Judicial Service would be implemented soon, he said all states had agreed in principle to accept them.Justice Lahoti’s request for special allowances for judges in Madhya Pradesh to purchase books evoked instant acceptance at the function, with Chief Minister Babulal Gaur announcing Rs 3,000 per year with immediate effect and promising to raise it to Rs 4,000 next year.The CJI also lauded efforts made by Gaur and the state Law Minister Narottam Mishra in strengthening the justice delivery system and improving coordination with the judiciary.
