Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal represented India at the Twelfth Session of the Justice Ministers’ Meeting (JMM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States held through video conferencing on Wednesday. The meeting, hosted by Russia, brought together Ministers of Justice from SCO nations, including China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and others, to deliberate on strengthening cooperation in the legal sphere and advancing digitisation of justice systems.
Addressing the session, Meghwal highlighted the Government of India’s efforts to make justice more accessible, inclusive, and technology-driven, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that India is undergoing a comprehensive transformation of its justice system as part of the vision for Viksit Bharat@2047.
The Minister underscored the government’s focus on ensuring affordable legal aid and promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. He cited the success of the E-Lok Adalat, which combines technology with ADR to provide citizens with faster and more transparent dispute resolution. Meghwal also pointed to legislative reforms such as the Commercial Courts Act and amendments to Arbitration and Conciliation Laws, aimed at facilitating business and enhancing India’s position as a global hub for investment and commerce.
Meghwal urged SCO Member States to enhance cooperation and exchange of best practices in the field of law and justice, noting that collaboration through the SCO platform would help Member States strengthen their respective legal systems. He emphasized the need to expand the scope of SCO’s activities in the justice domain, especially through regular forums, conferences, and capacity-building initiatives.
During the meeting, the Justice Ministers discussed ways to boost mutual exchange of legal information, develop ADR mechanisms, and advance digital transformation in their justice systems. Participants agreed on the importance of modernizing legal infrastructure through the use of digital tools and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation based on the principles outlined in the SCO Charter and the SCO Development Strategy until 2035.
A Joint Statement was adopted at the conclusion of the meeting, committing Member States to continue collaboration among their Ministries of Law and Justice, organize joint seminars and forums on legal cooperation, and promote long-term partnerships in the field of law and justice.
The Indian delegation included Law Secretary Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Additional Secretary (SCO) of the Ministry of External Affairs Mr. Alok A. Dimri, Joint Secretary & Legal Adviser Japan Babu, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Directorate of Forensic Science Services.
The meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of legal cooperation within the SCO framework, with Member States agreeing to build on the progress achieved so far. The next SCO Justice Ministers’ Meeting will be hosted by the Republic of Tajikistan in 2026.
