India’s Commitment to SCO Charter: Legal Reforms and Cooperation in Focus
In a significant development highlighting India’s unwavering commitment to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) charter, the 10th meeting of the Ministers of Law and Justice from SCO member countries convened through video conferencing. Minister of State for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, underscored India’s dedication to the principles of mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and mutual benefit, as enshrined in the SCO charter.
A Vision of Trust and Progress
Minister Meghwal articulated India’s role as “Viswa Mitra” (Universal friend) and emphasized the foundation of this commitment, rooted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. He highlighted the bedrock of trust that defines India’s policies and practices, fostering faith in the nation and its bright future, both domestically and on the global stage.
Paving the Way for Legal Reforms
The Minister shed light on India’s journey towards legal reforms, with a primary focus on simplifying and modernizing outdated laws. To date, 1486 obsolete laws have been repealed, a significant stride in enhancing citizens’ lives and facilitating business operations in India. A pivotal aspect of this reform is the promotion of ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution,’ encouraging mediation for effective conflict resolution.
Aligning Legal Systems with Contemporary Realities
Minister Meghwal stressed the importance of aligning a country’s legal systems with evolving societal dynamics. In this context, the Indian government is undertaking groundbreaking changes in its legal and judicial frameworks. This includes modernizing laws rooted in the colonial era, such as the Indian Penal Code (1860), Indian Evidence Act (1872), and Criminal Procedure Code (1898), to adapt to modern India while preserving traditional legal knowledge.
Digital Data Protection: A Global Commitment
Reaffirming India’s commitment to digital data protection, the Minister urged member countries to prioritize safeguarding digital data and fostering a secure digital ecosystem on a global scale.
SCO: Advancing Regional Development
The SCO, established in Shanghai in June 2001, has primarily focused on regional security, combating regional terrorism, ethnic separatism, and religious extremism. In addition to security concerns, the SCO has now expanded its priorities to include regional development.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The 10th meeting of SCO Justice Ministers commenced with a message from President Xi Jingping of the People’s Republic of China, emphasizing cooperation and understanding to realize the SCO’s objectives and contribute to holistic regional development.
A joint statement, endorsed by all SCO Member countries, underscores cooperation in the legal and judicial spheres over the past 22 years. It outlines key areas of cooperation:
- Enhancing collaboration between Ministries of Law and Justice of SCO Member nations.
- Continued implementation of the Cooperation Agreement.
- Organizing conferences and legal cooperation forums for knowledge exchange.
- Sustaining the work of Expert Working Groups on Forensic Expertise and Legal Services.
The meeting concluded with the decision to hold the next SCO Ministers for Law and Justice meeting in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2024.
This monumental gathering reaffirms India’s dedication to the SCO’s principles and its commitment to legal reform, cooperation, and the advancement of regional development in a rapidly evolving world.
