India Legal App Revolutionizes Access To Justice: Former CJI MN Venkatachaliah Unveils Groundbreaking Initiative
New Delhi, 10th June 2023: Former Chief Justice of India, Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, unveiled the highly anticipated India Legal App, marking a significant milestone in the quest for justice. This pioneering application not only addresses the needs of those seeking justice but also serves as a valuable resource for the legal community.
Justice Venkatachaliah emphasized the transformative impact of the India Legal App, predicting that it would expedite the resolution of approximately 70 percent of new cases. Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and the Internet, the legal landscape stands to be revolutionized.
Reflecting on the power of technological advancements, Justice Venkatachaliah highlighted that the era of development is upon us, and the government is actively striving to ensure the progress and well-being of all segments of society. Despite India’s notable achievements in areas such as human rights and welfare, the former Chief Justice emphasized the pressing need for further advancements in these domains.
Applauding the India Legal App, Attorney General R. Venkataramani asserted that endeavors like this application play a pivotal role in understanding the diverse justice needs of different sections of society. He stressed the significance of reaching out to the most marginalized communities and facilitating their access to justice, ultimately fostering a more inclusive legal system.
Although unable to attend the virtual event, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta conveyed his heartfelt support for the initiative. He described the launch of the India Legal App as a momentous occasion for the judiciary and the public at large. Recognizing its alignment with the government’s vision for E-courts, he emphasized its potential to serve as a gateway to justice, further enhancing accessibility.
Adding to the chorus of praise, Prof (Dr) GS Bajpai, Vice Chancellor of National Law University Delhi, commended both India Legal and ILRF for their exceptional contributions to the legal field. Recognizing the indispensability of technology in the legal profession, he underscored the significance of the India Legal App as a catalyst for broader discussions on the intersection of law and technology.
With the launch of the India Legal App, access to justice is poised to undergo a transformation. This groundbreaking initiative promises to bridge gaps, empower individuals, and propel the legal community into a new era of efficiency and inclusivity.
The launch of the India Legal App has garnered significant attention and praise from various individuals within the legal community. The app aims to bridge the gap in access to justice, particularly for the underprivileged and those unfamiliar with the legal system. Rajshri Rai, the Managing Director of India Legal and Editor-in-Chief of APN, emphasized the language barrier as one of the primary obstacles preventing the common man from availing legal aid. The multilingual feature of the app addresses this concern, ensuring that individuals can seek justice in their native language.
The inspiration behind the app was the common man’s need for justice, as articulated by Rajshri Rai. She expressed her belief that the app is a small yet significant step toward serving the people and supporting the last person standing in their pursuit of justice. Inderjit Badhwar, the Editor-in-Chief of India Legal, praised the app for translating the quest for justice into a tangible reality and predicted its continuous growth and benefits for the common man.
During the app launch, callers also participated in the online webinar, seeking immediate legal guidance. One caller from Meerut shared his ordeal of unpaid salary arrears, and Justice Venkatachaliah advised him to file a case against his employer and approach the High Court. Another caller from Chennai spoke in Tamil and revealed her distressing situation involving a man blackmailing her with private photographs. Justice Venkatachaliah recommended filing a police complaint to address her case.
The India Legal App serves as a groundbreaking legal helpline, enabling every citizen of India to access high-quality legal assistance from the safety and convenience of their homes. The app supports conversations in six Indian languages, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, and Punjabi. Its user-friendly interface allows individuals to engage in jargon-free discussions with lawyers, even on complex legal matters.
Furthermore, the app offers assistance during times of distress, providing a legal ‘friend’ to support individuals until the police arrive. The dedicated lawyers associated with the India Legal App are available round the clock, ready to guide and aid people facing challenging situations, regardless of their location within the country.
The India Legal Research Foundation (ILRF), a non-profit organization, plays a crucial role in providing free legal aid to deserving individuals who cannot afford legal services. Equipped with experienced senior lawyers, ILRF strives to bring justice to those in need.
India Legal, a highly regarded politico-legal weekly magazine, serves as a reliable source of professional journalism and expert insights. Its readership primarily comprises lawyers, law firms, and individuals associated with the judiciary and the justice system.
The India Legal App aims to expand its reach beyond mobile phone users by establishing partnerships with common service centers, such as Jan Suvidha Kendra, Setu, e-Seva Kendra, and Pragya Kendra. This expansion will ensure that even those without mobile phones can benefit from the app’s services, with the option to pay for assistance at the respective service centers at a reasonable cost.
