JUDICIAL REFORMS
Judicial reforms in India are critical to ensuring justice, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.
Judicial reforms refer to the systematic changes and improvements made within the judicial system to enhance its efficiency, accessibility, transparency, and fairness. These reforms may encompass a wide range of areas, including legal procedures, judicial infrastructure, court management, appointment of judges, and the use of technology in legal processes.
Importance
1.Access to Justice: Judicial reforms aim to make the legal system more accessible to all citizens, ensuring that justice is not denied due to economic, social, or geographic barriers. This includes simplifying legal procedures and reducing the costs associated with legal proceedings.
2.Efficiency and Speed: One of the primary objectives of judicial reforms is to reduce the pendency of cases and expedite the legal process. As of 2023, over 47 million cases are pending across various courts in India, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to improve the system's efficiency.
3.Transparency and Accountability: Reforms are essential for enhancing transparency and accountability within the judiciary. This includes implementing measures to prevent corruption, ensuring impartiality in judicial appointments, and promoting ethical standards among legal professionals.
4.Upholding Rule of Law: Judicial reforms strengthen the rule of law by ensuring that laws are applied consistently and fairly. A robust judicial system upholds citizens' rights, protects minorities, and checks arbitrary actions by the state.