Indian legal system ‘badly in need of fixing’: CJI Gavai

Hyderabad: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Saturday highlighted the pressing need to reform the country’s legal system, citing its unique challenges and systemic delays. Speaking at the Convocation Address at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad’s Justice City, he urged students to pursue higher education abroad through scholarships to avoid financial strain on their families.

"Even though I conclude that our legal system is badly in need of fixing, I remain cautiously optimistic that my fellow citizens will rise to the challenges,” CJI Gavai said.

He reflected on the prolonged nature of trials and the injustice faced by undertrials, noting, "Our country and legal system are facing unique challenges. Delays in trials can sometimes go on for decades. We have seen cases where someone has been found innocent after spending years in jail as an undertrial. Our best talent can help us resolve the problems that we are facing."

Justice Gavai also offered advice to the graduating batch, encouraging them to seek mentors “not for their power, but for integrity”.

The convocation was attended by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Supreme Court Judge Justice PS Narasimha, with Acting Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court Justice Sujoy Paul presiding over the ceremony.

(inputs from PTI)