Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers during the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June – 12 July 2024), delivered by Ms. Suman Sonkar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to UN, Geneva, 25 June 2024
Mr. Vice President,
1. We take note of the Report of the Special Rapporteur and its conclusions and recommendations.
2. The Indian judiciary is globally recognized for its commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and objectivity in its decision-making processes. Our vibrant and independent judiciary has been one of the key pillars of our democratic polity.
3. The judiciary has implemented plethora of initiatives in the field of information and communication technology to accomplish the valued goals of enhancing efficiency and access to justice such as hybrid hearing system, optimizing electronic accessibility to judgments and translation of judgments in regional languages. A Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes was also published by the Supreme Court.
Mr. Vice President,
4. We are extremely surprised by the insinuation against the independence of Indian judiciary in the Report of the Special Rapporteur. We strongly urge the Special Rapporteur not to get swayed by baseless and malicious propaganda by motivated actors.
I thank you.
