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.
Society is going through a unique dynamics due to the shortage of leadership with nobility, Kalam said, adding: "The only hope the nation cherishes and looks up to is the judiciary with its excellence and impeccable integrity."
He said citizens 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.
Fast action was also needed to rehabilitate the militancy-affected and those keen to join the mainstream, the President said.
He said that 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," the President said.
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.