India extends support to SCO Member Countries to enhance legal and judicial capabilities.

Delhi: The 10th meeting of the Ministers of Law and Justice from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries took place through a video conference. During the event, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Minister of State for Law and Justice of India, reiterated India’s commitment to the SCO’s principles of mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and mutual benefit. He emphasized that India’s commitment to these principles aligns with the vision of India’s Prime Minister, who sees India as a “Universal friend” characterized by trust in individuals, government, and the nation’s bright future, as well as the world’s trust in India’s policies and practices.

The Minister highlighted India’s legal reform efforts, particularly the simplification of laws and the repeal of outdated statutes, with 1486 such laws already removed. These reforms aim to improve citizens’ lives, ease business operations, and promote alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the need for legal systems to adapt to changing societal realities. He mentioned significant changes in India’s legal and judicial systems, including modernizing colonial-era laws such as the Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and Criminal Procedure Code, drawing inspiration from India’s traditional legal knowledge while addressing contemporary needs.

The Minister also expressed India’s commitment to digital data protection and encouraged SCO member countries to work together to safeguard digital data and foster a secure digital ecosystem globally. The SCO, founded in 2001, primarily focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, and combating extremism. However, its priorities have expanded to include regional development.

The meeting began with a message from President Xi Jinping of China, who urged member countries to cooperate and work towards the SCO’s objectives for regional development. In a joint statement, all SCO Justice Ministers emphasized the progress made in legal and justice cooperation over the past 22 years and committed to enhancing cooperation in legal and judicial matters. They also pledged to continue implementing cooperation agreements, organizing conferences for knowledge exchange, and maintaining Expert Working Groups on Forensic Expertise and Legal Services. The next SCO Ministers for Law and Justice meeting is scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan in 2024.