Jammu: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar on Thursday reviewed the functioning of the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, calling for stronger litigation management, timely compliance with court directions and greater transparency and accountability in the delivery of public services.
Chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, Sagar assessed the department’s administrative performance, ongoing initiatives, human resource management and progress in strengthening judicial infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Law, Achal Sethi, Special Secretary Law, Director Finance in the Law Department, Director Litigation and other senior officers.
At the outset, the Commissioner Secretary briefed the Minister on the department’s administrative structure, institutional responsibilities and overall functioning. A detailed presentation was also made on the sanctioned strength of the High Court and subordinate judiciary, the Advocate General’s Organisation and the engagement and functioning of advocates representing the Union Territory before the Supreme Court.
A major part of the review focused on the existing litigation management system, monitoring of litigation policies, handling of court cases and compliance with judicial directions.
Sagar stressed the need for timely responses to court proceedings, effective coordination among departments and proper legal representation of the government before different judicial forums. He asked officers dealing with litigation to closely monitor court cases, ensure that replies are filed within stipulated timelines and take necessary steps to avoid delays or non-compliance with judicial orders.
He also directed the department to strengthen its mechanisms for tracking litigation and monitoring instances of non-compliance with court directions, violations of prescribed norms and procedural irregularities.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of digital initiatives and online service delivery mechanisms intended to improve public access to legal information and departmental services. The Minister called for expediting these initiatives to make the department more accessible and responsive to citizens.
Reviewing judicial infrastructure, Sagar took stock of ongoing construction works, completed projects and other infrastructure requirements. He emphasised timely execution of projects, regular monitoring and coordination among the concerned departments to ensure planned development of judicial infrastructure.
Matters relating to human resource management were also discussed, including career progression, promotional avenues and the timely release of service-related benefits to employees.
The Minister directed officers to ensure that all legal and administrative matters were dealt with in accordance with established rules, regulations and government policies. He said transparency, accountability and professionalism should remain central to the department’s functioning.
Emphasising the need for citizen-centric services, Sagar said people approaching the department for legal assistance, information or other services should receive timely guidance and necessary support. He called for greater administrative responsiveness and inter-departmental coordination, particularly in matters concerning stamps, statutory limits, violations of prescribed norms and other legal issues requiring departmental intervention.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister directed officers to maintain continuous monitoring of departmental performance, strengthen litigation management and ensure faster implementation of digital initiatives to improve service delivery.
