Kochi, Sunday 23 November 2008: Union Defence Minister A K Antony today said the Centre is planning to increase the strength of judges in Supreme and High Courts and a legislation in this regard is in the offing.

Supreme Court Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan had pointed out that there were three lakh pending cases before various courts and hence the government had decided to increase the number of judges in various High and Supreme Courts, Antony said addressing a special session at the Indian Lawyers Congress Legal Enrichment camp here.

However, increasing the strength of judges alone is not enough, he said, adding lawyers should also stop seeking frequent adjournments and the legal community should also ensure that benefits of law reaches the common man.

Stressing the need to preserve the rule of law, he said, all political parties and organisations should be committed to it.

Earlier, Antony told reporters after inaugurating the Special Olympics here that the Centre would provide financial help to state governments to modernise their police department with modern electronic equipment.

He said it would also provide modern equipment to military and para-military forces to fight terrorists. The minister also presented awards to the winners of Special Olympics Kerala state meet.