Prayagraj (UP), Sep 14: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at the previous Samajwadi Party government, saying that before 2017, the state faced not only a shortage of resources but also issues related to governance, transparency, accountability, law and order, and judicial infrastructure.
Additionally, the chief minister revealed plans to provide tablets to 400 state law officers to equip them with modern technology, enabling them to access information on government-related cases before the courts.
In another announcement, Adityanath said the state government would introduce a cashless insurance scheme providing coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for practising advocates in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing a felicitation ceremony organised by the Allahabad High Court Bar Association here, Adityanath said nearly 45 to 50 per cent posts in the Uttar Pradesh Police were vacant before his government assumed office in 2017.
“Before 2017, the challenge before us was not merely of resources. It was also a challenge of the system and approach, transparency and accountability in administration, law and order and judicial infrastructure,” the chief minister said.
He highlighted that the police force’s annual training capacity at that time was only about 3,000 personnel but has now increased to 60,000.
“There was no training capacity and even basic facilities for the police were lacking,” Adityanath said, adding that his government has strengthened police infrastructure and training facilities across the state.
Adityanath also addressed the condition of the subordinate judiciary before 2017, pointing out that many courts operated in dilapidated or temporary buildings, and that district courts in as many as ten districts functioned from rented premises.
Furthermore, he stated that his government had also addressed several shortcomings that earlier hampered the criminal justice system, including witnesses turning hostile out of fear in serious criminal cases and inadequate arrangements for transporting prisoners from jails to courts.
“Today, you can see the results of better coordination between the executive and the judiciary. When we reform and transform, the performance becomes visible on its own,” the chief minister said.
He emphasised that a robust judiciary strengthens the foundations of good governance, which should be the top priority of any elected government.
Adityanath noted hat his government has prioritised greater use of technology, modernised infrastructure, and improved coordination between police and prosecution, leading to significant increases in conviction rates.
He pointed out that the prosecution system is now connected to online platforms to ensure timely charge sheet filings and effective presentations of scientific evidence in court.
Referring to emerging challenges, Adityanath said the legal fraternity must prepare itself for areas ranging from cybercrime and artificial intelligence to data privacy, e-commerce, fintech, intellectual property and climate litigation.
“A future-ready Bar will lay a strong foundation for a future-ready justice system,” he said, adding that the younger generation of lawyers has a major responsibility in carrying forward the rich traditions of the Allahabad High Court.
The chief minister said that district courts and jails have been provided with high-speed internet and video conferencing facilities. Additionally, the virtual recording of evidence and the digitization of court documents are being promoted to reduce trial delays.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said, stressing that timely and impartial justice was essential to maintaining public faith in the judiciary and other democratic institutions.
Integrated court complexes were being developed to provide judicial facilities, residential accommodation for judicial officers, chambers for lawyers and other amenities under one roof, he said.
Moreover, he outlined welfare measures for advocates, announcing that financial assistance from the lawyers’ welfare fund has increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The age limit for financial assistance to the families of deceased advocates has also been raised from 60 to 70 years.
Adityanath said a strong judiciary forms the foundation of good governance and called for continued coordination and mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench.
“Only a future-ready Bar can lay a strong foundation for a future-ready justice system,” he said.
Adityanath announced that the state government would fully support the provision of essential facilities, including furniture and equipment, for the chambers constructed for over 10,000 lawyers as part of the multi-level parking and chamber complex.
He stated that the government would assist in receiving proposals through the judiciary and the chief justice.
