Relevance: GS Paper II – Judiciary, Transparency & Accountability
Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express
The Supreme Court has instructed all High Courts to publicly disclose the time taken by judges to deliver verdicts after reserving judgment. The directive aims to enhance judicial transparency and ensure timely delivery of justice.
Significance
- Promotes accountability within the judiciary.
- Helps litigants monitor progress in their cases.
- Strengthens the constitutional guarantee of speedy justice under Article 21.
- Encourages uniform standards across High Courts.
Larger Issues in India’s Judiciary
Issue | Status / Concern |
| Case Pendency | Over 5 crore cases pending across courts; around 60 lakh in HCs. |
| Reserved Judgments Delays | Some verdicts delayed for months/years, harming litigants’ rights. |
| Vacancies | Persistent 30–35% judicial vacancies in High Courts. |
| Judge-to-Population Ratio | ~21 judges per million population (far below recommended levels). |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Limited courtrooms, staff shortages, uneven digitisation. |
Suggestions & Recommendations
- Regular publication of reserved-to-delivered timelines on HC websites.
- Fast-track appointment processes to fill judicial vacancies.
- Strengthen e-Courts Phase III for digital filing, virtual hearings, and case tracking.
- Create NJDG-based dashboards to monitor delays and identify bottlenecks.
- Establish internal norms for delivering judgments within a defined timeframe (60–90 days suggested by various committees).
- Enhance infrastructure via the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Judicial Infrastructure.
One-line Wrap:
The Supreme Court’s directive is a step toward a more transparent, accountable, and timely judicial system, addressing long-standing structural delays in India’s courts.
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