VICTORIA, Seychelles — Chief Justice Rony Govinden has used the reopening of the Supreme Court to call for urgent reform of legal procedures “to ensure that justice is delivered efficiently and equitably.” In his address at the Palais de Justice, the Chief Justice stressed the importance of reducing cumbersome and lengthy procedures, both in the civil and criminal sphere.
One significant avenue for reform, he said, lies in the integration of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation. “Mediation offers a collaborative approach where parties can engage in constructive dialogue facilitated by a neutral third party. This process not only alleviates the burden on our courts but also empowers individuals to take an active role in resolving their disputes,” the Chief Justice noted.
In its quest to facilitate efficient access to justice, the court will be following legislative amendments introducing preliminary hearings, through which the court can narrow down the issues in contention between parties. The Judiciary is also to appoint a Supreme Court Judge this year to hear cases of a commercial nature, a move that is expected to expedite cases involving the business sector and contribute to efforts to create a better business environment.
“Justice for All: A Shared Responsibility” has been chosen as the theme for the year, and will form the basis of ongoing and future commitments by the courts.
