India’s
Vision for Justice Reform at SCO Forum
On 29 October 2025, Union Law Minister Arjun
Ram Meghwal participated via video link in the 12th Session of the Justice
Ministers Meeting (JMM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
states. Through this diplomatic legal platform, India presented its ongoing
transformation of its justice system, centered on the principles of accessibility,
inclusivity, and technology.
Meghwal shared how India is pushing free legal aid to marginalized populations
and deploying digital tools such as E-Lok Adalat to resolve disputes,
bridging gaps in judicial access. He also emphasized reforms like the Commercial
Courts Act and updated Arbitration & Conciliation Laws, aimed at
improving the business environment and positioning India as an attractive
investment destination.
Key Themes:
ADR, Legal Cooperation & Digitisation
The Justice Ministers’ meeting underscored
common priorities among SCO nations: the exchange of legal information,
cooperation on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) frameworks, and the digital
modernization of justice ministries. Delegations acknowledged that digital tools,
case-management systems, e-filing and remote dispute resolution are no longer
auxiliary they are central to the effectiveness and fairness of judicial
systems in the 21st century. The joint
statement adopted at the session enshrined these policies as long-term goals
under the SCO’s strategy to 2035.
India’s
Push: E-Lok Adalat & Inclusive Legal Aid
Meghwal highlighted E-Lok Adalat, an
online legal forum combining technology with ADR to settle cases efficiently,
transparently, and cost-effectively. He noted that the Indian government has
prioritized providing free legal aid to underprivileged citizens and
enabling them to contest disputes without undue burden. These reform measures are intended to reduce
backlog, ensure quicker justice, and foster confidence among citizens in legal
institutions. By integrating technology and dispute resolution, India aims to
lessen the adversarial burden on courts and make legal recourse more
user-friendly.
Business-Friendly
Laws & Dispute Resolution Reforms
Another focal point of Meghwal’s address was
the legal framework for commercial justice. He underscored India’s efforts to streamline
laws and rules to be business enabling, particularly through reforms to the
Commercial Courts Act and Arbitration and Conciliation laws. These changes are meant to reduce delays in
commercial litigation, increase the enforceability of contracts, and facilitate
quicker dispute resolution vital in attracting foreign and domestic
investment. In the SCO context, this sends a signal that India seeks
cross-border legal coherence and investor confidence.
SCO
Cooperation: Strategic Value in Legal Partnerships
During the session, justice ministers from all
SCO states including China, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan,
Belarus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan participated, along with SCO’s Deputy
Secretary General.
They affirmed that law and justice is a strategic area of cooperation within
the SCO, committing to organize conferences, seminars, and mutual exchange of
experiences in legal reform and capacity building. By leveraging the SCO’s shared institutional
framework, member states aim to enhance rule-of-law linkages, harmonize legal
practices, and respond collectively to transnational legal challenges.
Challenges
and the Road Ahead
While technology, legal reform, and
cooperation are laudable goals, implementation will demand sustained effort.
Indian courts already grapple with heavy case backlogs, limited infrastructure
in rural areas, and variable digital access across regions. Scaling E-Lok
Adalat and ensuring connectivity for remote ADR sessions remain significant
challenges.
Political will, funding, training of legal professionals in digital methods,
and ensuring data security and privacy will be essential. Within the SCO,
aligning disparate legal systems, languages, and procedural traditions will
require long-term commitment. Success will depend on how well member states
translate the principles agreed upon into domestic reforms.
Conclusion
At the 12th SCO Justice Ministers Meeting,
India affirmed its commitment to a justice system shaped by technology,
inclusion, and efficiency. Through E-Lok Adalat, legal aid expansion, and
commercial law reforms, India aims to modernize its judiciary and make itself a
more trustworthy legal environment for citizens and businesses alike. The SCO
forum offers a strategic platform to exchange ideas, build legal bridges, and
foster regional rule-of-law cooperation. As India presses forward, the real
test will lie in converting commitments into ground-level delivery,
strengthening justice access not only for urban elites but for every citizen
across the country and region.
0 Comments