He said a system needed to be designed to resolve the issue "fast without sacrificing the principle of natural justice.
SRINAGAR: Stressing on speeding up the judicial process in Jammu and Kashmir, President A P J Abdul Kalam on Saturday said terrorism-related cases should be dealt with on a priority and "without sacrificing" the principles of natural justice.
"The judiciary must consider creation of a fast judicial process for settling terrorism-related cases. It can find a method by which cases pertaining to terrorism are dealt with on a priority and they are not allowed to drag on through multiple adjournments and multi-level of appeals," he said during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
He said a system needed to be designed to resolve the issue "fast without sacrificing the principle of natural justice. This is an important area where all the members of the judiciary and the legal community have to work together towards a lasting solution".
Fast action was also needed to rehabilitate the militancy-affected and those keen to join the mainstream, he said.
Kalam said the protection of human rights of citizens without prejudice to national interests was an important factor where the judiciary would provide a major role as it was the "final resort for dispensation of justice".
"Our judicial system is dynamic and an institution which is throbbing with life, catching up societal and technological evolution," he said.
The President said society was going through a unique dynamics due to the shortage of leadership with nobility. "The only hope the nation cherishes and looks up to is the judiciary with its excellence and impeccable integrity".
Kalam said we should do everything to make the judicial system succeed, for "a nation fails not because of economic progress but because of an increase in decision makers with small minds".
On the target of "zero pendency" of cases set by the state High Court, he said it would be the greatest gift to the nation if achieved.
The President appreciated the suggestion of Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal for speeding up of justice by way of steps like two work shifts in the courts and use of IT, including video conferencing, for recording evidence.
Kalam also outlined a "peace mission" for speeding up the peace process essential for development and prosperity of the state.
"The peace mission will have four major components namely, an economic zone near the Line of Control, social development in difficult areas, a state level movement to eliminate terrorism and citizen security," he said.
He said citizens should participate in large numbers for curbing terrorism and schools and colleges should promote value-based education right from the primary level.
The area close to the LoC was, at present, not used for cultivation and the state and Central governments should consider allotting part of it on lease basis in consultation with the Army for horticulture and agriculture, he suggested.
"Once, the people participate in the development of the land, they themselves will oppose intervention from wrong elements. There is also a need to provide special security in this economic zone," Kalam said.
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