Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers at the 53 rd Session of Human Rights Council (19 June - 14 July 2023) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 26 June 2023

Mr. President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of her first report and take note of its conclusions and recommendations.

Mr. President,

2. Our vibrant and independent judiciary has been one of the key pillars of our democratic polity. It has, through landmark judgements and innovative mechanisms, ensured and enhanced the justiciability of human rights,including economic, social and cultural rights, of our citizens.

3. We believe that access to justice is fundamental to preserve the rule of law and to uphold democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Government of India has launched a Scheme titled “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice” (DISHA), to advance the cause of access to justice. It aims to design and consolidate various initiatives to provide citizen- centric delivery of legal services.

4. We have taken note of SR’s identification of priority challenges to judicial independence and agree that judicial independence is a bedrock aspect of the right to a fair trial, which unfortunately is not ensured in a few countries.

5. We would like to hear from the SR on what more measures can be suggested for the States to guarantee access to justice and ensure the right to a fair trial.

I thank you.