Justice can never be instant and "loses its character as justice" if it becomes revenge, Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde said Saturday at an event in Jodhpur.
Chief Justice Bobde's remarks come after four young men accused of rape and murder were killed in what the Telangana police say was an encounter, but he was not specifically speaking about that case.
The police action had its critics but was largely welcomed by the public. But what was the context of Chief Justice SA Bobde's comments?
He was speaking at the inauguration of a new Rajasthan High Court building -- with Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in attendance -- at a time when there's a nationwide debate about judicial reform, the death penalty and speedy justice.
He was discussing the need to introduce new technologies in the justice system and strengthen Alternate Dispute Resolution Systems, such as mediation, to cut down the time needed to conclude cases.
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"As an institution, we must remain committed to making justice accessible to people through strengthening existing avenues and evolving newer means to achieve affordable, quick and satisfactory settlement of disputes," he said.
Chief Justice SA Bobde said delays in the justice system were seen as a deterrent to litigants. "We must be aware of the changing perception about the judiciary and litigation. The length of time taken for the conclusion of litigation is a big deterent," he said.