PM Modi Releases ₹75 Coin on Supreme Court of India

The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, released the ₹75 commemorative coin and postal stamp to celebrate the 75 Years of the Supreme Court of India today, on August 31, 2024 during the inauguration of the National Conference of the District Judiciary at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The Hon'ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Shri D Y Chandrachud, Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Shri Sanjeev Khanna and Justice Shri B R Gavai, Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General of India, Shri R Venkataramani, President of Supreme Court Bar Association, Shri Kapil Sibbal and Chairman of Bar Council of India Shri Manan Kumar Mishra, were among the distinguished guests who graced this significant occasion.

The Prime Minister began his address by recalling his recent participation in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan High Court and expressed gratitude for attending the National Conference of District Judiciary, held as part of the Supreme Court of India’s 75th year celebrations. He said that the Supreme Court’s 75-year journey reflects not just the growth of an institution but also the evolution of India’s Constitution, its democratic values, and the trust of millions of citizens. He noted that the people of India have always placed unwavering faith in the judiciary, and this legacy strengthens India’s identity as the Mother of Democracy and reinforces the spirit of Satyameva Jayate.

Calling the judiciary the “Guardian of our Democracy,” the Prime Minister praised the Supreme Court for upholding justice since Independence, especially during challenging moments such as the Emergency. He acknowledged its role in protecting fundamental rights and prioritizing national security and unity. He congratulated the country’s judicial fraternity on the milestone of 75 years.

Highlighting efforts over the last decade to improve judicial access, the Prime Minister spoke about mission-mode work to modernize courts and enhance ease of justice. He referred to earlier conferences of district judges and said that discussions on reducing pendency, improving human resources, and strengthening the legal ecosystem were vital. He welcomed the inclusion of a session on Judicial Wellness, stressing that personal well-being is essential for effective public service.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a Developed India in the Amrit Kaal requires a modern and efficient justice system, with the district judiciary at its foundation, as it is the first point of contact for common citizens. He expressed confidence that the conference would help meet national expectations.

He underlined that ease of living depends heavily on easy access to justice, which requires modern infrastructure and technology in district courts. Noting the pendency of around 4.5 crore cases, he said that the government has spent nearly ₹8,000 crore on judicial infrastructure in the past decade—accounting for 75 percent of such spending in the last 25 years. During this period, over 7,500 court halls and 11,000 residential units were built for the district judiciary.

Speaking about technological transformation, the Prime Minister highlighted the e-Courts project and the Supreme Court’s role in digitizing the judicial system. He said that the approval of e-Courts Phase III in 2023 marked a major step toward a unified technology platform incorporating AI and OCR. Such tools, he noted, will help analyze pending cases, predict future trends, and integrate the functioning of police, forensics, prisons, and courts, making the justice system future-ready.

He also referred to major legal reforms, including the introduction of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which aim to uphold the principles of “Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First.” He noted that colonial-era criminal laws have been replaced, sedition laws repealed, and new provisions introduced for stricter punishments for crimes against women and children, community service for minor offences, and recognition of electronic evidence. He urged training for the district judiciary and active involvement of lawyers and bar associations in familiarizing the public with the new system.

Addressing the issue of crimes against women and children, the Prime Minister highlighted efforts to establish fast-track special courts with witness deposition centers. He stressed the importance of District Monitoring Committees in ensuring coordination within the criminal justice system and called for making them more effective so cases involving women’s safety are resolved swiftly.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the discussions at the conference would contribute meaningful solutions and further strengthen the nation’s commitment to ensuring justice for all.

This release marks the thirteenth commemorative coin for the year 2024, minted by the India Government Mint, Kolkata. Stay tuned for upcoming booking details and updates on the India Government Mint's website.