On Friday(30th Aug),Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, raised concerns about India’s low judge-to-population ratio during the National Conference of District Judiciary. His remarks highlighted the urgent need for judicial reform amidst the conference inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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NEW DELHI: On Friday(30th Aug), Kapil Sibal, the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, expressed deep concerns about the low judge population ratio in India, highlighting the pressing need for judicial reform in the country. His remarks came during the inaugural session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, held at Bharat Mandapam, an event graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who officially inaugurated the conference.
In his address, Kapil Sibal voiced significant concerns regarding the current state of the judiciary in India, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by district and session courts.
He stated-
“…The judge population ratio is abysmally low in India. The roster at the level of district and sessions level is overburdened…”
Sibal’s remarks underscored the strain on the lower courts, which, according to him, are severely overburdened due to the inadequate number of judges. This overburdening, he argued, hampers the effective delivery of justice, especially at the grassroots level, where most citizens interact with the judicial system.
Further elaborating on the issue, Sibal stressed the importance of empowering trial courts, district, and session courts to function without external pressures or fear.
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He emphasized-
“Our trial, district, and sessions courts must be empowered to deliver justice impartially and without bias. They are not subordinate; rather, they are crucial to the justice system. The judiciary at this level should have the confidence that their decisions will be upheld and that they are essential to the integrity of the justice delivery system.”
This point highlights a critical aspect of the judiciary’s functioning, where lower courts often feel constrained by the potential repercussions of their decisions. Sibal’s call for greater confidence and independence for these courts resonates with ongoing discussions about judicial reform and the need for a more robust justice delivery system.
Sibal also addressed a concerning trend regarding bail in lower courts, saying-
“In my career, I have rarely seen bail granted at the district or sessions court level. This observation is shared by the Chief Justice of India, who noted that higher courts are overburdened. Bail at the lower court level remains an exception.”
This statement points to a systemic issue within the judiciary, where the burden on higher courts often leads to delays in justice, particularly concerning bail matters.
He further warned about the implications of restricting personal freedoms, asserting-
“Liberty is the bedrock of a thriving democracy, and any attempt to undermine it affects the quality of our democratic system.”
This powerful statement highlights the critical connection between judicial practices, individual liberties, and the overall health of democracy in India.
The two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, organized by the Supreme Court of India, is set to focus on several key issues affecting the district judiciary. The conference will feature five working sessions that will delve into topics such as infrastructure and human resources, inclusive courtrooms, judicial security and wellness, case management, and judicial training.
The discussions and outcomes of this conference are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of the judiciary at the district level in India.
