Justice ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation countries came together virtually on October 29, 2025, to discuss ways to make legal systems faster and more accessible. India’s Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, led the Indian side and shared the country’s progress in building a modern justice framework.
India Showcases Tech-Driven Justice Reforms
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, India is working towards a fully transformed justice system by 2047. The focus remains on delivering justice that reaches every citizen without delay or high cost. Shri Meghwal explained how the government now provides free legal help to people from weaker sections of society.
A standout initiative is the newly launched E-Lok Adalat platform. This online system blends technology with traditional dispute settlement methods to resolve cases quickly. Citizens can approach it from anywhere, and the process stays open and fair. The minister noted that such tools cut down waiting time and reduce courtroom burden.
Boosting Business Through Faster Dispute Resolution
The government gives top priority to alternative ways of settling disputes. Laws like the Commercial Courts Act and updated arbitration rules aim to solve business conflicts swiftly. These steps position India as an attractive place for investors who need reliable legal support. When companies know disputes will not drag on for years, they feel confident to set up operations here.
Shri Meghwal urged fellow SCO nations to share successful practices through regular workshops and forums. He suggested expanding the scope of joint activities so that member countries learn from each other’s courtroom innovations.
Key Outcomes from the SCO Justice Ministers Meeting
Ministers from Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan joined the discussion. The SCO Deputy Secretary General also took part. Everyone agreed on the urgent need to exchange legal information across borders and strengthen cooperation in alternative dispute resolution methods.
Digital transformation emerged as a central theme. Participants stressed that justice departments must upgrade their online tools to handle cases efficiently. They recognised that modern software can track case progress, store records securely, and allow remote hearings without compromising quality.
Joint Statement Sets Future Roadmap
At the end of the session, all countries adopted a joint statement. It commits them to continued teamwork in line with SCO’s long-term goals up to 2035. The document calls for:
- Regular conferences and seminars to swap ideas on legal reforms.
- Stronger ties between justice ministries for daily cooperation.
- Events that bring experts together to discuss courtroom technology.
The statement describes law and justice as a core pillar of SCO’s growth. Leaders view steady partnership in this field as vital for the organisation’s future strength.
Preparatory Work and Indian Delegation
Three expert-level meetings took place earlier in September and October 2025. Senior officers from India’s Department of Legal Affairs, Department of Justice, Legislative Department, and Ministry of Home Affairs joined these sessions hosted by Russia. They finalised the wording of the joint statement through detailed online talks.
Besides Shri Meghwal, the Indian team included Law Secretary Dr Anju Rathi Rana, Additional Secretary (SCO) from the Ministry of External Affairs Mr Alok A Dimri, Joint Secretary and Legal Adviser Shri Japan Babu, and other specialists in forensics, legislation, and justice administration.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Tajikistan will host the next justice ministers’ meeting in 2026. Member states plan to build on this year’s agreements and explore new areas like training programmes for judges and online case management systems.
The virtual format proved effective, saving travel costs while allowing full participation. It also showed how technology itself can support the very goals discussed, delivering justice without geographical barriers.
India’s active role in the SCO justice forum reflects its broader commitment to global legal harmony. By sharing home-grown solutions like E-Lok Adalat, the country contributes practical ideas that others can adapt. At the same time, India gains insights into international best practices that strengthen its own system.
As nations move towards digital courts, the emphasis on ADR mechanisms promises quicker relief for citizens and businesses alike. The SCO platform thus serves as a valuable space for aligning legal standards across a vast region.
The push for inclusive justice aligns with India’s domestic targets under Viksit Bharat. Every step towards faster dispute resolution adds to economic growth and public trust in the legal process. The outcomes of this meeting will guide policy tweaks in multiple countries over the coming year.
Citizens awaiting case decisions stand to benefit the most. When courts clear backlogs and offer online options, ordinary people spend less time and money chasing justice. The SCO commitment to mutual learning ensures that progress in one nation inspires improvements in others.
In short, the twelfth justice ministers’ gathering marked a clear step forward in regional legal cooperation. With digital tools and alternative resolution methods at the forefront, SCO members are laying the groundwork for a more efficient and citizen-friendly justice landscape.
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