NEW DELHI: Terming Delhi as “nation’s laboratory for judicial innovation” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday inaugurated 13 dedicated special courts to try cases under anti-terror, narcotics and organised crime laws. CJI Kant hoped the courts would help ensure timely justice and strengthen the criminal justice system’s ability to deal with increasingly complex prosecutions. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Rouse Avenue Court Complex, the CJI said meaningful access to justice was not merely the ability to approach a court but also the assurance that cases would be decided within a reasonable timeframe by courts equipped to handle their complexity. “As the capital of the Republic, Delhi has often pioneered reforms that have gone on to shape the justice delivery system across the country. Whether through technological advancements or improvements in court administration, many transformative initiatives have first taken root here before inspiring similar efforts elsewhere,” the CJI said. The special courts will exclusively try cases under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Delhi high court chief justice DK Upadhyaya stressed on the need for cooperation among judges, investigating agencies, prosecutors and lawyers to ensure the success of the initiative. “And now that we have the brick and mortar in place, it is now time to ensure the optimum functioning of these courts.” In her welcome address justice Jyoti Singh, chairperson portfolio committee Rouse Avenue courts, highlighted that the “seeds of these exclusive courts were sowed” when a CJI headed bench of SC issued several directions to all states and UTs to create infrastructure ensuring speedy trial of cases under NIA Act. To man these courts HC recently reshuffled 151 judicial officers and posted 13 judges to newly created special courts. It also shifted all NIA Act trials from Patiala House to Rouse Avenue.
