Lawyers, judges must ensure legal system is accessible to every citizen: CJI Gavai
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New Delhi (PTI): Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Saturday said lawyers and judges have a responsibility of strengthening the justice system and they must ensure that the legal discourse does not remain confined to metropolises, but is accessible to even those living in the country's remotest corners.
Speaking at the LAWASIA Conference at Hanoi in Vietnam on the topic of "Role of Lawyers and Courts in Promoting Diversity and Inclusion", the CJI said it is crucial that the principles judges articulate in their judgments are reflected in the administrative policies of the court.
"I can share that when I assumed office as the chief justice of India in May, one of my top priorities was to ensure that affirmative action in the recruitment of administrative positions within the court was implemented not just in letter, but in spirit. I directed that marginalised communities receive their due share in all administrative appointments and that these policies be applied consistently and transparently," Justice Gavai said.
He said the dream of equality, nurtured by Gautam Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar, was enshrined in the Constitution of India in 1950 and it turned the tide of destiny for millions who were historically marginalised and denied their basic rights.
"For me, born into a low-caste family, it meant that I was not born untouchable. The Constitution recognised my dignity as equal to that of every other citizen, offering not just protection, but the promise of opportunity, freedom and social recognition," he said.
The CJI said lawyers should not be reluctant in hiring women because of assumptions about maternity leave, time constraints or perceived "commitment issues".
"Such biases are unfair and counterproductive. Lawyers have a duty to ensure that the principles they advocate in court and in public life are reflected in their own workplaces and professional conduct," he said.
Referring to various Supreme Court verdicts, including the permanent commission judgment, where women officers were allowed permanent commission in defence forces, Justice Gavai said the judiciary has played a crucial role in ensuring that the law protects and promotes equality, rather than perpetuating historical disadvantages.
"I also believe that lawyers and judges share additional common goals in strengthening the justice system. We must ensure that the legal system and legal discourse do not remain confined to metropolitan cities, but are accessible to every citizen, even those living in the remotest corners of the country.
"Inclusion is achieved only when the common person can understand, relate to and feel connected with the legal processes, the exchanges between a lawyer and a judge, the judgments delivered and the mechanisms of justice itself," he said.
The CJI said in his role as the executive chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), which is mandated to ensure that no one is left without legal aid, he made it a priority to direct his team to reach the farthest and most underserved regions of the country.
"The goal was clear -- no individual should be deprived of their legal rights and every person must have access to necessary legal representation, guidance and support," he said at the conference of LAWASIA, which is headed by senior advocate Shyam Divan.
Justice Gavai said lawyers often have a more direct access to the public than judges, as the latter are expected to maintain a degree of aloofness, and this proximity gives lawyers a unique opportunity and responsibility to engage with the society.
"Their role is not confined to only the courtroom. It extends to the broader community, where they can raise awareness about rights, legal processes and the principles of justice. By doing so, lawyers serve as vital bridges between the law and the people, ensuring that justice is not only delivered but also understood, accessible and meaningful to all members of the society," he said.
The CJI noted that it is essential to mentor the next generation, particularly professionals from marginalised communities, and said efforts must be made to identify and support talented individuals who, in the future, may lead the profession.
"Mentorship should not be limited to recruitment alone. It must extend to providing guidance, empathy and sustained support. Many of these professionals enter the workplace carrying the weight of historical exclusion and it is our responsibility, as those with experience and privilege, to ensure that they are given the environment, encouragement and patience necessary to thrive," he said.
Underlining that promoting diversity and inclusion is not just about opening doors, the CJI said it is about walking alongside those who enter through those, nurturing their growth and creating a truly equitable professional space where everyone can succeed.
"Recruiting a person without offering support, guidance or a nurturing environment undermines the very purpose of inclusion," he said, adding that true inclusion requires active effort, commitment and accountability from everyone who benefits from existing privileges.
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India proposes preferential trade agreement with Mexico to deal with high tariffs
New Delhi (PTI): India has proposed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Mexico to help domestic exporters deal with the steep tariffs announced by the South American country, a top government official said on Monday.
Mexico has decided to impose steep import tariffs - ranging from about 5 per cent to as high as 50 per cent on a wide range of goods (about 1,463 tariff lines) from countries that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that India has engaged with the country on the issue.
"Technical level talks are on...The only fast way forward is to try to get a preferential trade agreement (PTA) because an FTA (free trade agreement) will take a lot of time. So we are trying to see what can be a good way forward," he told reporters here.
While in an FTA two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on maximum number of goods traded between them, in a PTA, duties are cut or removed on a limited number of products.
Trading partners of Mexico cannot file a compliant against the decision on imposing high tariffs as they are WTO (World Trade Organisation) compatible.
The duties are within their bound rates, he said, adding that their primary target was not India.
"We have proposed a PTA because its a WTO-compatible way forward... we can do a PTA and try to get concessions that are required for Indian supply chains and similarly offer them concessions where they have export interests in India," Agrawal said.
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Citing support for local production and correction of trade imbalances, Mexico has approved an increase in MFN (most favoured nation) import tariffs (5-50 per cent) with effect from January 1, 2026 on 1,455 tariff lines (or product categories) within the WTO framework, targeting non-FTA partners.
Preliminary estimates suggest that this affects India's around USD 2 billion exports to Mexico particularly -- automobile, two-wheelers, auto parts, textiles, iron and steel, plastics, leather and footwear.
The measure is also aimed at curbing Chinese imports.
India-Mexico merchandise trade totalled USD 8.74 billion in 2024, with exports USD 5.73 billion, imports USD 3.01 billion, and a trade surplus of USD 2.72 billion.
The government has been continuously and comprehensively assessing Mexico's tariff revisions since the issue emerged, engaging stakeholders, safeguarding the interests of Indian exporters, and pursuing constructive dialogue to ensure a stable trade environment benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries.
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Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai has said that Mexico's decision is a matter of concern, particularly for sectors like automobiles and auto components, machinery, electrical and electronics, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and plastics.
"Such steep duties will erode our competitiveness and risk, disrupting supply chains that have taken years to develop," Sahai said, adding that this development also underlines the little urgency for India and Mexico to fast-track a comprehensive trade agreement.
Domestic auto component manufacturers will face enhanced cost pressures with Mexico hiking duties on Indian imports, according to industry body ACMA.
