Tamil Nadu: The goal of a ‘Developed India’ is not merely an economic concept; it must be accompanied by a deeper understanding of justice, laws, and humanity. Governor R.V.R. Lekhar stated that without this, achieving the objective of a Developed India is impossible.
Participating in the valedictory function of a two-day seminar titled ‘Judicial Forum – 2026’ at VIT in Chennai, Governor R.V.R. Lekhar remarked: “The judiciary requires more judges. It is a matter of concern that only a very small section of the population has access to the courts. Even with such limited access, more than 50 million cases remain pending. Justice is paramount for the common man; yet, many do not even fully comprehend what justice entails. This does not constitute a true democracy. If the common man is denied justice, our entire system will fail.”
It was further highlighted that the posts of Vice-Chancellors remain vacant in 17 universities across Tamil Nadu. Consequently, delivering a robust and effective education system has become unfeasible. A significant number of cases involving universities are currently pending in the courts—a matter that demands immediate attention.
There is a consensus among all stakeholders that achieving the vision of a ‘Developed India’ is unattainable without a profound understanding of justice and the rule of law. The Governor noted that the ethical values enshrined in the Constitution are inextricably linked to the principles of humanity. VIT Chancellor G. Viswanathan observed: “India holds the dubious distinction of being the country with the highest number of pending cases in the world. Approximately 54 million cases are currently pending; of these, nearly 200,000 cases have been languishing for over 30 years. Access to justice in the country remains largely skewed in favor of the upper strata of society. It is now up to the youth—specifically those pursuing legal studies—to seize the opportunity to bring about a transformative change in this regard.”
“In European nations, strict time limits are prescribed for the disposal of legal cases. Why is such a mechanism not feasible in India? In European judicial systems, it is simply not possible to indefinitely prolong a case in the district courts by repeatedly seeking adjournments.” Speaking at the event, Supreme Court Justice Kumaresh Babu stated, “The Constitution is not merely a legal framework; it is a powerful instrument for social change. The Panchayat Raj Act of 1992 paved the way for the decentralization of power. It ensures broad-based public participation and leads to sustainable governance. No country can be considered developed as long as a significant section of its population remains deprived of the benefits of development.” Earlier in the program, the Chief Guest, Governor R.V.R. Lekhar, presented certificates and medals to students who demonstrated outstanding performance in the seminar. ABVP National Vice President M. Nagalingam and VIT Vice President G.V. Selvam also shared their views.
