Need to amend laws to discourage frivolous litigation, says Chandrababu Naidu
New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday sought amendment of laws to discourage "frivolous litigation" which he claimed "hinders" economic growth.
He also observed that time consuming and cumbersome legal procedures must be simplified to resolve disputes that may arise between the state and corporate entities on a fast pace without adverse impact on the investments and projects.
Delivering his address at the joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts here, Naidu said avoidable litigation is not only draining valuable economic resources but also precious human resources that have to be utilised for intellectual and economic prosperity of the mankind.
"Due to the legal and other complications arising in the execution, several projects are getting delayed for years, resulting in cost overruns and in the process driving away foreign investors from the Indian markets. A suitable method has to be formulated by simplifying the laws and effectively enforce contractual obligations to make the country attractive to the domestic and overseas investors," he said.
"Laws must be amended to discourage frivolous litigation, which hinders economic growth," Naidu said, adding the state as the biggest litigant will take a lead in discouraging frivolous litigation and make all the endeavours on its part to settle the disputes that may arise amicably by taking recourse to the alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
The Chief Minister also said that the increasing trend of avoidable litigation that is leading to heavy burden on the judiciary and consequently slowing down the pace of the economic development.
"We all know that avoidable litigation impedes development; and therefore my goal is to reduce avoidable litigation, encourage reconciliation and conflict resolution and secure justice in the quickest possible time," he noted.
Welcoming the proposed judicial reforms, which includes establishment of All India Judicial Service, he said that there is an urgent need for reforms that will strengthen the faith of the common man in the justice delivery system.
