SURKHET, Dec 31: Chief Justice Sushila Karki has instructed judges to settle cases related to violence against women (VAW) within three months of registering the cases at the court saying that women are still deprived of getting access to justice.
Karki also instructed the authorities to reconsider court fees and provide free legal service while dealing with cases related to violence against women.
"Settle court cases related to women within three months to end violence against women and increase women's access to justice," said CJ Karki speaking at a program entitled 'Women's' Access to Justice' here in Birendranagar, Surkhet.
Settle cases related to VAW within three months: CJ Karki
She stressed the need for ensuring backward and poor peoples' access to justice as it is widely perceived that the court administration was established only for elite people. "Courts are established with the intent of providing justice to all class, region and community," she said adding, "But it has been widely perceived that the court is only for the elites."
Karki said that the Supreme Court has been conducting various awareness campaigns to increase women's access to justice. "Women's access to justice has increased in the recent years but it is not satisfactory."
Highlighting the problems of women, CJ Karki said many women in rural areas are unaware about justice delivery system.
On ending violence against women, CJ Karki stressed on the need of making women self-reliant and literate.
The court is conducting various awareness campaigns including free legal system, help desk and legal consultations to make women legally aware.
At the function, Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla said women are facing physical and mental violence. "Our society still perceives that women are physically weak. They are also facing violence because of different religion, culture and customs."
