Union Law Minister Reflects On Ram Jethmalani's Legacy, Role Of Technology In Legal System

The 4th Ram Jethmalani Memorial Lecture witnessed an engaging address by Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Hon'ble Union Law Minister. The celebration was to honour Jethmalani's legacy and provide a forum for legal discussion.

Meghwal's session highlighted the late Ram Jethmalani's extensive personality and contributions to the legal community by sharing tales and insights into his life. He began by reminiscing about a personal encounter with Ram Jethmalani in 2013 when both were members of the Rajya Sabha. He described Jethmalani as a humble individual who readily agreed to participate in a memorial lecture in Bikaner, Rajasthan.  

One of the anecdotes shared by Meghwal was a friendly badminton match between him and Jethmalani, showcasing Jethmalani's zest for life and his refusal to let age hinder his pursuits. The minister expressed admiration for Jethmalani's enthusiasm, saying, “Does age become a hindrance? Will we play badminton? Their spirited game served as a testament to Jethmalani's indomitable spirit.”

Meghwal proceeded on to the session's theme, focusing on Jethmalani's participation in cases that had an impact on India's judicial system. He mentioned Jethmalani's role in high-profile cases, including Amar Jayanti, the Shri Ram Mandir case, and Advaniji's case, where Jethmalani provided pivotal legal direction and contributed to shaping the country's trajectory.

The Law Minister acknowledged that Jethmalani's name has come to stand for superiority in the legal field. He highlighted Jethmalani's commitment to the subject, his knowledge of constitutional issues, and his ability to guide the country during crucial legal battles.

Meghwal commended Mahesh Jethmalani, Ram Jethmalani's son, for upholding and carrying on his father's heritage. He acknowledged the role that people like Mahesh Jethmalani play in preserving the legacy of legendary figures.

The speech then shifted focus to the role of technology in the legal system, particularly the use of video conferencing (VC) for court proceedings. Meghwal mentioned that the Supreme Court had set a commendable example by effectively using VC to hear cases, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. He expressed his appreciation for the innovative approach, highlighting its potential to reduce case backlogs and make legal proceedings more accessible.

Meghwal concluded by expressing his delight about the role that technology will play in Indian justice in the future. He made mention of the idea of a 'national judicial data grid', a technological project designed to streamline legal procedures, increase transparency, and improve communication between the legal community and the general public. The minister emphasised the importance of harnessing technology to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of the judicial system.