Nikunja Bihari Dhal IAS given additional charge as Secretary- Dept of Justice
Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal IAS (Odisha 1993) presently Secretary- Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has been given the additional charge as Secretary- Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice from 20.06.2026 to 26.06.2026 during the period of absence on leave of Shri Niraj Verma IAS (Assam Meghalaya 1994).
The Secretary, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, holds a pivotal position in India’s governance framework, overseeing matters related to the administration of justice, judicial reforms, and strengthening the country’s legal and judicial institutions. As the administrative head of the Department, the Secretary plays a crucial role in facilitating access to justice, improving judicial infrastructure, and supporting the effective functioning of courts across the nation.
The Department of Justice serves as the nodal agency for issues concerning the judiciary, including appointments of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts, judicial infrastructure development, and implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the justice delivery system. The Secretary provides strategic leadership in formulating and implementing policies that promote a responsive, transparent, and citizen-centric judicial framework.
One of the key responsibilities of the Secretary is to oversee programmes and reforms designed to reduce case pendency, improve court management systems, and strengthen institutional capacity within the judiciary. The office works closely with the Supreme Court, High Courts, State Governments, and various judicial and legal bodies to facilitate coordination and support the modernization of court systems across the country.
The Secretary also plays an important role in driving technology-led reforms in the justice sector. Initiatives relating to e-Courts, digital case management, virtual hearings, and the adoption of information technology in judicial processes have significantly enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accessibility within the justice delivery mechanism. The Department’s efforts in this regard contribute to making legal services more accessible to citizens while improving the overall effectiveness of the judicial system.
In addition, the Secretary oversees matters relating to legal empowerment, judicial appointments, and the implementation of schemes aimed at strengthening judicial infrastructure, particularly in underserved and remote regions. The role requires extensive engagement with constitutional authorities, legal institutions, state administrations, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless policy implementation and institutional development.
As the senior-most executive officer of the Department, the Secretary, Department of Justice, is instrumental in advancing judicial reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting equitable access to justice. Through strategic leadership, policy innovation, and institutional collaboration, the office contributes significantly to the development of a modern, efficient, and inclusive justice delivery system in India.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal the very best.