KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court (SC), true to the lofty promises of outgoing Chief Justice Min Bahadur Rayamajhi, is doing its homework to launch an ambitious campaign to mete out justice.

In a bid to rejuvenate the judiciary, hamstrung by pending cases and delayed justice, the drive aims to dispense justice with a smile. “This will restore public faith in the judiciary,” said Ram Krishna Timalsena, registrar, SC. It is top down approach, which will gradually trickle down to district courts.

When will the litigants be able to avail of the service?

“We'll introduce it as soon as the employees are fully equipped. Plans are underway to arrange a training programme for them,” said the registrar.

The concept, though, is borrowed. Malaysia has successfully implemented this model with great success. “The soon-to-be-introduced system helps employees to provide the service with a smile on their faces” he added. The SC has been trying to go for an image makeover for long. It may be recalled that the judiciary had introduced court citizens' charters.

“Judiciary is caught up in a time warp. The public often relates it to lingering process. Perhaps, the campaign will help to portray it in better light. It's an heartening move,” said Tara Kumar Shrestha, an advocate.

Judiciary drive with a smile

• Will help speedy service

• Help boost relation between court employees and litigants

• Can help image of judiciary

• Plans afoot to make litigants' attendance on each hearing date non-mandatory