The judiciary holds immense power in shaping a just and equitable society. It safeguards our fundamental rights, preserves democratic order, and ensures civil peace. But while India’s judiciary remains independent and impartial in principle, its daily functioning often fails the common citizen due to inefficiency and delays.
While the Supreme Court retains the trust of the people, faith in the lower judiciary is steadily declining. Slow procedures, long waits for hearings, and lack of access have led many to feel disillusioned. An effective judiciary is crucial for building equity, trust, and empowerment in any society. When that trust falters, the consequences are serious—especially for the weakest.
Despite being widely discussed, judicial reforms remain slow and piecemeal. Courts, especially at the district level, are overwhelmed. Policymaking, sadly, remains bound by rigid institutional interests, making radical reform difficult. The system continues to limp along under colonial-era laws and structures, failing to match the needs of a modern, diverse nation.
A reliable judiciary boosts economic performance. It safeguards contracts, upholds property rights, and builds trust in markets. Studies show that where courts work efficiently, businesses thrive—especially small ones. Investors feel confident and entrepreneurship is rewarded. In contrast, delay in justice slows down economic energy and deters fair competition.
India has nearly four crore pending cases, and many proceedings stretch for years. The average trial lasts over three years—and longer for final resolution. Many citizens file cases expecting their children, not themselves, to benefit. Over 70,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, some for decades. For a large section of society, just getting heard is seen as relief, not a resolution.
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Digital reforms are a step forward—e-filing, online tracking of cases, and court websites do make things easier. But these are not enough. Physical infrastructure remains poor, especially in lower courts. The number of judges is woefully low, and those present are overburdened. Hiring and training must be prioritised to improve both speed and quality of justice.
High legal fees, rising litigation costs, and complex procedures keep the poor out of the justice system. Most vulnerable litigants suffer from poor-quality legal aid or indifferent service. Access to justice should not be a privilege. It must be affordable, accessible, and prompt. Policymakers must monitor legal costs and introduce measures to level the playing field.
Shockingly, nearly half of all pending cases involve the government. A fifth of them could easily be settled out of court. Even the Prime Minister has acknowledged the burden the government places on the judiciary. Yet administrative reforms to reduce litigation remain on paper. The government must show restraint and responsibility in initiating or defending cases.
A full reset is required—not just of the judiciary, but also the administrative and policing systems. The criminal procedure code is outdated. The police are undertrained, overpoliticised, and often lack accountability. Without fixing these supporting institutions, judicial reform will remain ineffective. Administrative reform must move in tandem.
When courts enter executive domains, it often reflects a vacuum left by poor governance. Judicial activism, while sometimes necessary, can also blur the separation of powers. It risks creating imbalance and undermines democratic institutions. The root cause lies in weak administration, not judicial ambition.
Reform is often born in moments of crisis. With crores of pending cases and citizens losing faith, the crisis is already here. The need for a faster, fairer judicial system is not just legal—it’s moral and social. India needs an institutional overhaul built on accountability, modernisation, and efficiency.
The Prime Minister must act boldly, invest political capital, and push through comprehensive reform. It will take courage, vision—and more than a little luck. But unless we act now, justice will continue to be a distant dream for too many.
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