PM Modi and Chief Justice of India HL Dattu at the joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts in New Delhi (Press Trust of India)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that while the judiciary is getting powerful, it is necessary that it also becomes "perfect" to live up to the expectations of the people.
"The judiciary should be both powerful and perfect. This is the place that is trusted by common people," PM Modi said, while addressing a joint conference of chief justices of 24 high courts and chief ministers in the national capital. (Highlights of PM's address)
The Prime Minister also called for an internal mechanism of "self-assessment" as the judiciary, he said, is considered "divine" and next only to God and seldom faces any criticism unlike the political class.
"There is a great responsibility on the Indian judiciary. In fact, we all are the same kind of individuals carrying out responsibilities as per our potential and capabilities. But this is not the case with people in the judicial system... what they do is divine. God has sent you to carry out this divine responsibility," the Prime Minister said.
He cautioned the judiciary against "perception-driven verdicts" adding that "perceptions are often driven by five-star activists".
The PM also highlighted the need for good law institutions and manpower.
"People have a lot of faith in the judicial system of India. We need to look at the manpower that is coming in this field in coming years. We have to think how we can create good law institutions, keeping in mind the needs of the future."
Stressing on the importance of technology, the PM said, "The quicker we get technology in this field (judiciary), the easier it is to bring about a qualitative change."
"None of the responsibilities are one-sided, the more we use technology in the judicial system, the better it can function," he added.