Arunachal not far from consciousness of India: President

Stressing that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil praised the state for its enchanting beauty and friendly people with varied culture and traditions."Arunachal Pradesh, The Land of the Rising Sun, may be our easternmost state, but it has never been far from the centre of the consciousness of the nation," she commented while delivering the convocation address of the North East Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) this afternoon.

She said this largest state in the North-East region is inhabited by a number of tribes with rich culture and where life is celebrated with dance and music and its diversity captured in the strong tradition of artistic craftsmanship of weaving, carpet making, pottery, woodcarving and ornaments. "Arunachal is a society in harmony where various tribal communities have been living together in peace for thousands of years. As the state is moving on the path of development, it retains its distinctive culture, showing that the traditional moorings of a society can be retained, while development takes place," she said.

Describing Arunachal as one of the best state in conserving nature, Patil exuded confidence that the state would take special care of the ecological system with its growth.

Gauhati HC a model for country: President

The Gauhati High Court is unique in the sense that it exercises jurisdiction over seven States that have wide variations of geography, diverse population, including a number of tribes each with its rich tradition of customary laws and practice. This diversity increases the resource base of law and requires that while administering justice in certain spheres, these should be taken into account. This was stated by President Pratibha Devisingh Patil while addressing at the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Gauhati High Court in Guwahati today.

"In the hill regions here, a conciliatory rather than an adversarial approach is adopted in the settlement of disputes. I am told that this process is not only expeditious, but its decisions are long lasting. Such successful models and experiences hold an example for the country. They should inspire confidence in the alternative dispute mechanisms in the country — whether it is mediation or conciliation or arbitration. These options can be swift and cost-effective which, at the same time, reduce pressure on the already overburdened normal judiciary structure," the President said.

Expressing concern over the delay in the disposal of cases, the President said: "When a person knocks the door of justice, he does so because he has a grievance and in the expectation that the matter will be dealt with in a reasonable period of time. This brings me to the concern about the rate of disposal of cases and the huge backlog. I have sometimes heard that legal disputes are passed on from one generation to another. Though, I have been told by your Chief Justice that the pendency in this High Court is comparatively less than that in others. However, innovative ways for addressing this situation and cooperative efforts at all levels of the judiciary are necessary."

She said recourse to justice is an expensive proposition. "Many, particularly those of the disadvantaged sections of society, are unable to afford the associated costs and this makes access to justice for all an unfulfilled mission. Our Constitution guarantees free legal aid to the weaker sections of society. The National Legal Services Authority, along with civil society groups, has undertaken efforts to establish a national network of legal aid centres.. Lawyers must come forward to join in this endeavour," she said.

She said that she was briefed on the problems of the Gauhati High Court by its Chief Justice. "I will raise the issues at the right fora," she added.

Speaking on the occasion, Asom Governor SC Mathur said after more than six decades of independence, the nation needs to seriously introspect as to whether its judicial machinery has lived up to its expectations of securing justice to all and standing out as a beacon and symbol of truth, faith and hope. "Admittedly there are challenges, but these need to be surmounted through the process of progressive judicial reforms and efforts to ensure delivery of speedy and pure justice at affordable costs," he said, and added: "The access of citizens to law remain limited due to inordinate delay in its dispensation and prohibitive cost of legal advice."

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