Judicial backlog of 31 million cases worries President

He also explained the various endeavours being undertaken to reduce the backlog of cases in the country, including efforts to elevate judges and increase their numbers by 25 percent to address the issue of pendency of cases.

Sathasivam said that all courts from the sub-district levels to the Supreme Court are digitally connected.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, while praising the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a member of AAWI who played a significant role in framing India's constitution, spoke of the efforts underway to strengthen the judicial system in the state. Among them were the plans to set up three law universities in Mumbai, Nagpur and Aurangabad.

Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal recalled the role of the stalwarts of the AAWI in the freedom struggle and its contribution by way of many great lawyers and judges to the country.

Bombay High Court's Chief Justice Mohit Shah spoke about the evolution of the AAWI with six founders to a vibrant organisation which has contributed immensely to India's judicial system.

Later, President Mukherjee unveiled portraits of three former chief justices of India who were members of AAWI - P.B. Gajendragadhkar, J.C. Shah and Y.V. Chandrachud.

Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan released a coffee table book on AAWI at the function attended by top legal luminaries.