People are losing faith in the criminal law system and the faith needs to be restored, according to B.T. Kaul, Head, Department of Law, Delhi University.
Addressing a gathering of lawyers during the inauguration of MMBA Decennial Lecture Series organised by Madurai Bench of Madras High Court Bar Association (MMBA) here on Thursday, he said: “The conviction rate is falling, trial is getting delayed and the people are losing faith in the criminal law system. The time has come for the advocates to take up the onerous task of restoring the people’s faith in the criminal law system.”
According to Mr.Kaul, the presiding judges, the prosecution and defence counsels have a major role to play in restoring faith of the people in the justice system. “The presiding judges and the counsels (prosecution and defence) have one goal, the quest for truth. The very purpose of criminal law is to ensure happiness and security in society,” he said.
Justice M. Jaichandren of the Madras High Court, who inaugurated the lecture, said knowledge was infinite. “Judges and lawyers should keep their minds open to learning,” he said. Justice S. Nagamuthu introduced the topics. Mr.Kaul spoke on ‘Offences against human body’.
Stone laid
Chief Justice R.K. Agarwal laid the foundation stone for the establishment of a Rs.1.25-crore integrated security room on the Madras High Court Bench premises.
Collector L. Subramaniam, Inspector General of Police (South Zone) Abhay Kumar Singh, Deputy Inspector General Anand Kumar Somani and Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan were present.
