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Call to strengthen criminal justice system

Staff Correspondent

‘Alternative systems cannot be a major substitute for the system’

BHOPAL: A Bhopal-based non-government organisation, Mahila Chetna Manch, has come out with a report which calls for strengthening of the criminal justice system in Madhya Pradesh in response to the demands of justice.

The report, titled “Mapping of the Criminal Justice System in Madhya Pradesh”, reflects the gaps and drawbacks in the criminal justice system and the problems being encountered by those seeking justice. It emphasises that alternative systems cannot be a major substitute for the criminal justice system while pointing out that civil society will have to play a major role in strengthening the access to justice with equality, equity and speed.

The United Nations Development Programme and the Government of India entrusted the study of mapping the demand and delivery of the criminal justice system to Mahila Chetna Manch under their “Strengthening access to justice in India” programme (SAJI-I). The Mahila Chetna Manch has done the study in context of Madhya Pradesh and its regional variations.

‘Empower justice-seekers’

The Mahila Chetna Manch chairperson, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Nirmala Buch, released copies of the report to media persons on Saturday. On this occasion, a 30-minute documentary, “Access to Justice -- a challenge” produced by the Manch was also screened.

Ms. Buch said alternative systems could only supplement the formal system that needs to be strengthened. She particularly underlined the need to empower the justice-seekers though information, legal literacy and support to women, weaker sections and other disadvantaged groups. “This is important when it comes to enhancing their capacity to demand and ensure a positive response from the system,” she added.

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