Ease of Justice Key to Inclusive Governance, Says PM Modi
Description
PM Modi stresses that Ease of Justice must progress alongside Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living to ensure equitable access to legal support.
Published on: 09 November 2025 | 08:45 PM (GMT+05:30, IST, India)
Published by: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
Introduction
Legal systems around the world are undergoing rapid transformation as governments seek to ensure fair, transparent, and accessible justice for citizens. The evolving relationship between governance and public welfare has placed significant emphasis on how justice systems operate, how citizens engage with legal institutions, and how equitable access can be maintained. In this context, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the National Conference on “Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms”, where he stated that Ease of Justice is as essential as Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living.
The conference was attended by senior members of the Indian judiciary, including the Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Vikram Nath, alongside policymakers, legal activists, and representatives from civil society. The Prime Minister argued that while governments worldwide are prioritizing economic reforms and improving quality of life, it is equally important to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and fairness of the justice system.
He emphasized that Ease of Justice is not just a legal principle but a social necessity, shaping public trust, democratic stability, and inclusive growth. Without a justice system that is affordable, timely, transparent, and socially sensitive, development remains incomplete. He also highlighted the crucial role of legal aid, legal awareness, and institutional modernization in bridging the gap between citizens and the law.
His comments come at a time when many global institutions, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the World Justice Project, continue to call for strengthened legal systems to ensure equal rights and fair governance.
The discussion around Ease of Justice reflects a larger shift in global governance priorities: from economic-centric reform to inclusive and socially balanced reform. As legal systems continue to evolve worldwide, the integration of technology, citizen outreach, and equitable legal aid remain central pillars for the future.
Background
Over the past decade, the Indian government has implemented extensive reforms aimed at improving the Ease of Doing Business, which included simplifying taxation, expanding digital governance, and reducing administrative barriers for investors. These reforms contributed to improved investor confidence and a more competitive business environment. Simultaneously, initiatives for Ease of Living sought to improve public welfare systems, focusing on housing, healthcare, sanitation, and digital service accessibility for ordinary citizens.
However, legal experts, policymakers, and global development organizations have increasingly pointed out that economic and social reforms alone cannot create a sustainable and equitable society. The justice system, which forms the backbone of democratic accountability, must also progress in accessibility, responsiveness, and fairness.
India is currently dealing with a significant backlog of cases, with millions of cases pending across different courts. Many citizens face challenges such as high legal costs, complex procedural requirements, lack of legal literacy, and geographical barriers. These challenges are not unique to India. Countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and even parts of Europe face similar obstacles related to legal accessibility.
International human rights organizations highlight that access to justice is not just a legal service—it is a fundamental human right.
- The UN Human Rights Office emphasizes that justice systems must be accessible, affordable, and non-discriminatory. (https://www.ohchr.org)
- The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has repeatedly noted that legal empowerment of vulnerable groups is crucial for poverty reduction and social equality. (https://www.undp.org)
- UNICEF further stresses that legal support mechanisms are essential for protecting children and women from exploitation and abuse. (https://www.unicef.org)
Against this global context, PM Modi’s statement signals a policy direction that expands the reform agenda beyond financial and administrative systems to include legal infrastructure and citizen access. The shift toward Ease of Justice is therefore aligned with global development priorities, where justice is recognized as a core element of sustainable governance.
Reframing Legal Systems as Citizen Services
PM Modi emphasized that legal systems must be viewed as public-facing institutions, not as exclusive domains occupied only by legal professionals. Justice, he argued, should be readily accessible, understandable, and approachable to every citizen, regardless of socio-economic background.
Strengthening Legal Aid Networks
The conference focused heavily on legal aid delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations such as:
- Low-income families
- Rural communities
- Indigenous and tribal groups
- Women facing domestic or workplace injustices
- Individuals in detention centers
Reforms under discussion included: Objective Strategy Expand legal aid access Increase legal aid clinic coverage in underserved regions Improve representation for the underprivileged Strengthen public defender networks Reduce case delays Promote dispute resolution and mediation mechanisms Raise legal awareness Community legal literacy campaigns
Digital Modernization and Technology Integration
Technology was identified as a crucial tool for improving the Ease of Justice. Initiatives include:
- Virtual courtrooms enabling remote hearings
- Digital case filing and tracking systems
- AI-supported legal research tools
- Helpline and chatbot-based legal guidance platforms
These tools help reduce physical barriers and geographical disparities, while also promoting transparency.
Judiciary Response and Collaborative Reform
Chief Justice BR Gavai highlighted the need for collaborative reform, where judiciary, government, and community legal groups work together to create structural and accessible justice solutions.
Justice Surya Kant stressed developing legal literacy programs at school and community levels to ensure citizens understand their rights and procedures.
Conclusion
The emphasis on Ease of Justice marks a critical evolution in governance priorities. As global societies become more interconnected and complex, justice systems must grow more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. PM Modi’s remarks reflect a vision in which justice is not a privilege but a shared societal guarantee. The future of legal reform in India—and globally—lies in expanding legal aid, promoting digital innovation, empowering communities, and strengthening institutional cooperation.
FAQs (5)
1. What does the term “Ease of Justice” mean?
Ease of Justice refers to creating a legal system where individuals can access legal support easily, quickly, and affordably. It emphasizes efficient court procedures, legal aid availability, digital services, and simplified legal processes so that justice is not limited to those with financial or social power.
2. Why is Ease of Justice important for society?
Without accessible justice, social inequality widens, vulnerable populations become more exposed to exploitation, and trust in public institutions declines. Ease of Justice ensures fairness, upholds rule of law, and promotes equal treatment, which strengthens democratic stability.
3. How does technology improve Ease of Justice?
Digital courts, online case tracking, e-filing systems, and AI-based legal research tools reduce delays and physical barriers. These innovations allow citizens to seek legal assistance without needing to travel or spend excessive resources, increasing accessibility and transparency.
4. What are the major challenges to achieving Ease of Justice?
Key challenges include complex legal procedures, geographic disparities in legal services, lack of awareness about legal rights, overburdened courts, and financial constraints among citizens. Comprehensive reform is required to overcome these obstacles.
5. How can legal aid help achieve Ease of Justice?
Legal aid ensures that individuals who cannot afford legal representation still receive fair treatment in the justice system. Strengthening legal aid networks helps prevent discrimination based on income or social status and ensures equal access to justice.
