The Prime Minister has reiterated the need for concerted efforts by the government, the judiciary and the Bar Association to help reduce the mounting arrears in courts and growing cost of litigation. <br/><br/>Addressing the Golden Jubilee National Conference on ‘Law & Governance’ of the Bar Association of India in New Delhi today, Dr. Manmohan Singh said, justice delayed is justice denied. He noted with concern that equality before law cannot become a living reality if ordinary citizens cannot have access to justice at affordable cost. He said, the plight of the large number of under trial prisoners in jails should move the machinery of justice to speedy corrective measures. It should be taken as part of the process of reforming and improving the quality of governance in the country.<br/> <br/>The Prime Minister observed that all the three organs of the State, that is, the Legislature, the Judiciary, and the Executive are bound by and subject to the provisions of the Constitution, which demarcates their respective powers, jurisdictions, responsibilities and relationship with one another. <br/><br/>Dr. Singh said, it is to be assumed that neither of the three organs of the State, whether it is the judiciary or the executive or the legislature, would exceed its powers as laid down in the Constitution. He remarked that , even though their jurisdictions may be separated and demarcated, it is essential that all institutions work in harmony and in tandem to maximize the public good.<br/><br/>Dr. Manmohan Singh said, the role of the members of the legal fraternity is not confined to Courts but also extends to being an integral part of the system of administration of justice. He observed, the justice means not just in the legal sense but justice in social, economic and political sense as set out in the preamble of the Constitution.<br/> <br/>Congratulating the Bar Association of India on its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Prime Minister hoped that there will be meaningful and productive discussions in this conference and that other important subjects like funding of elections and law and education will also merit their attention. <br/> <br/>Speaking on the occasion, Law Minister M Veerappa Moily said, India's judiciary was the largest in ensuring the rule of law. Describing lawyers as the link between the citizens and the judiciary, he said sensitive lawyers are the need of the hour. <br/>