KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 28
Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha has claimed that the judiciary has returned to the right track.
During an interaction on 'case management and its implementation status' organized by the High Court here on Wednesday, CJ Shrestha viewed the positive atmosphere that was created with concerted efforts and commitments made by all those involved in the judiciary.
The Constitution and the general public expect fair, prompt, and quality justice delivery from the judiciary, so the judges must pay heed to it. "Unless the clearance of pending cases is sped up, the reform efforts do not count," he reminded, informing that several initiatives were ongoing for justice adjudication and managerial issues.
The CJ underscored the need for ensuring result-oriented initiatives. "I've adopted judicial reform since I became CJ. However, commitment from all sides is a must for judicial reform. Some positive effects have also emerged," he told the subordinates. Shrestha also informed that it was, however, challenging to maintain timely justice delivery because of increasing backlogs.
The vacant posts for judges in all tiers of the judiciary were fulfilled, which would help clear pending cases. CJ Shrestha shared that pleading was conducted via video conferencing by adopting information technology. Jumla bench, Dhankuta bench, Mahendranagar bench, and Hetauda bench had practiced online hearings and pleadings, which have saved service seekers' time and cost.
The adoption of IT would be expanded gradually across the country to ensure prompt and convenient justice delivery. He made the High Court and District Court judges aware to be honest and help justice seekers free of hassles caused by undue bargaining.
On the occasion, Chief Registrar at SC, Devendra Raj Dhakal, informed that employee administration, physical infrastructures, and budget management were sped up for making justice delivery effective and prompt.
Chief Judge of Rajbiraj bench of Janakpur High Court, Bam Dev Gyawali, said that the High Court was undergoing pressure due to the growing demand in the wake of densely populated provinces.
The judiciary needs to pay heed to the management of personnel and resources, and incentives, he suggested.
Similarly, speaking on behalf of district judges, Dhanush District judge, Churaman Khadka, also shared a similar plight of inadequate resources and workforce, resulting in workload.
The interaction was attended by district judges of the Madhes Province and High Court judges and representatives.
