Hyderabad: Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Saturday voiced serious concerns about the state of India’s legal system, calling it “badly in need of fixing” and highlighting the persistent issue of judicial delays and the plight of undertrial prisoners.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony of NALSAR University of Law at Justice City in Medchal, near Hyderabad, the CJI underscored the systemic inefficiencies and urged the new generation of legal professionals to help bring much-needed reform.
“Delays in trials can sometimes go for decades,” Justice Gavai said, adding, “We have seen cases where someone has been found innocent after spending years in jail as an undertrial.”
Despite acknowledging these entrenched issues, the Chief Justice expressed cautious optimism.
“Even though I conclude that our legal system is badly in need of fixing, I remain cautiously optimistic that my fellow citizens will rise to the challenges,” he stated.
Call for Ethical Leadership in Law
Justice Gavai called upon law graduates to prioritize integrity over influence when selecting mentors and to contribute with honesty and commitment to the improvement of the judiciary. He also advised students to pursue scholarships if seeking education abroad to avoid financial burden on their families.
“Our best talent can help us resolve the problems that we are facing,” he said.
The convocation was presided over by Acting Chief Justice of Telangana High Court, Justice Sujoy Paul, and attended by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Supreme Court Judge Justice PS Narasimha.
Justice Gavai’s candid remarks come at a time when public attention is increasingly focused on India’s slow-moving justice system, with lakhs of undertrial prisoners awaiting justice for years. His speech is being seen as a stark reminder and urgent appeal to reform a creaking judicial structure.