Litigation policy to reduce cases

The government on Wednesday unveiled a National Litigation Policy that would dictate how burgeoning number of its court cases can be reduced and act as "an efficient and a responsible" litigant.

The government on Wednesday unveiled a National Litigation Policy that would dictate how burgeoning number of its court cases can be reduced and act as "an efficient and a responsible" litigant.

HT Image

Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily released the policy documents and said the centre had recognised the fact that the government and its various agencies were predominant litigants in courts and tribunals across the country.

Of over 2 crore cases pending in courts, 70 % of them involved the government as either petitioners or respondents.

"Its (the policy's) aim is to transform government into an efficient and a responsible litigant," Moily said.

The policy would be implemented from the beginning of next month.

Noting that the policy took into account the responsibility of the government to protect the rights of citizens and to respect fundamental rights, the Law Minister said those in-charge of the conduct of official litigation should never forget this basic principle.