Judicial Reforms For Lakshadweep: ‘A Study Towards Equitable Access To Justice’
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 14
- 1 min read
Adv. Abhiram B H, Sree Narayana Law College, Poothotta (Affiliated by MG University)
INTRODUCTION
The administration of justice is one of the core functions of a democratic state, and ensuring equitable access to legal remedies is a constitutional mandate under Article 39A of the Indian Constitution.1 However, for geographically isolated and infrastructure-deficient regions like Lakshadweep, this fundamental right has often remained out of practical reach. Located over 400 kilometres from the Kerala coast, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep comprises a group of small coral islands scattered across the Arabian Sea. While picturesque and rich in culture, these islands have long been burdened by logistical, technological, and administrative challenges that hinder the timely delivery of justice.
Lakshadweep falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court, which is seated in Kochi. For years, this arrangement has posed significant hardships for the island’s residents. Attending hearings, filing petitions, or even accessing basic legal services often required expensive and time-consuming travel to the mainland. Moreover, the absence of adequate judicial infrastructure, lack of awareness about legal rights, and technological backwardness have further compounded the difficulties faced by the people of this Union Territory.
Recognizing these structural inequities, the Kerala High Court has recently taken proactive steps to usher in a new era of judicial reforms tailored specifically for Lakshadweep. These reforms aim not just to modernize the justice delivery system but to align it with the constitutional promise of equal access to justice for all, regardless of geography. From video-conferencing of court proceedings to strengthening legal aid services, these initiatives mark a transformative shift in the way justice is delivered in India’s most remote territories.
