The Indian Judiciary: A System Plagued by Corruption and Irresponsibility

 The Indian judiciary, often touted as the guardian of democracy and the last resort for justice, is increasingly being perceived as a system riddled with corruption and irresponsibility. Despite its exalted status, numerous cases have surfaced that question the integrity, efficiency, and accountability of the judicial system in India.

Rampant Corruption: A Stain on Justice

Corruption within the Indian judiciary has been a long-standing issue. From lower courts to higher benches, instances of bribery, nepotism, and political influence have repeatedly undermined the credibility of judicial verdicts. Several reports and sting operations have exposed judges accepting bribes to deliver favorable judgments. Furthermore, the lack of a robust mechanism to hold judges accountable has allowed such malpractices to continue unchecked.

One glaring example of corruption was the 2010 cash-for-judge scam, where allegations of bribery were raised against judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Similarly, in 2017, Justice Karnan of the Calcutta High Court openly accused several Supreme Court judges of corruption, though no substantial action was taken against those named. These cases highlight the deep-rooted rot within the judicial framework.

Judicial Delays and Inefficiency

The irresponsibility of the Indian judiciary is evident in the staggering backlog of cases. As of 2024, over 50 million cases are pending across various courts in India, with some litigants waiting decades for justice. This delay not only denies justice but also leads to suffering and financial burden for those seeking legal recourse. The sluggish pace of trials, frequent adjournments, and procedural inefficiencies contribute to an overburdened system where justice delayed is often justice denied.

The Nirbhaya case, one of the most heinous crimes in India's history, took over seven years to deliver justice despite public outrage and overwhelming evidence. Countless similar cases remain stuck in legal limbo, leaving victims disillusioned with the judicial system.

Political Interference and Bias

The judiciary, meant to be independent, is often seen bowing to political pressures. The appointment and transfer of judges are frequently influenced by political considerations rather than merit, leading to a compromised judiciary. The Collegium system, responsible for the appointment of judges, lacks transparency, and accusations of favoritism and lack of accountability are widespread.

Additionally, selective activism by the judiciary raises concerns about its impartiality. While some cases receive urgent hearings and swift judgments, others languish for years, raising questions about judicial priorities. The contrast between the prompt hearing of corporate disputes and the slow progress in cases related to human rights or public interest litigation highlights this disparity.

Lack of Accountability and Reforms

Unlike other institutions, the judiciary has no effective oversight mechanism. The impeachment process for judges is highly cumbersome, resulting in very few judges being held accountable for their actions. The case of Justice Soumitra Sen of the Calcutta High Court, who was impeached for financial misappropriation in 2011, is a rare instance of action being taken. However, numerous complaints against judges often go unaddressed, reinforcing a culture of impunity.

Reforms in the judiciary, including the implementation of a more transparent appointment system, digitization of case proceedings, and stricter accountability measures, are long overdue. The establishment of an independent judicial ombudsman to investigate corruption allegations and promote judicial ethics is essential to restore faith in the system.

Conclusion

The Indian judiciary, despite being a pillar of democracy, is increasingly losing public trust due to its corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability. Unless immediate and stringent reforms are introduced, the credibility of the judicial system will continue to erode, leaving citizens without hope for true justice. The judiciary must introspect, reform, and take concrete steps to cleanse itself, ensuring that it remains a beacon of fairness and integrity in India's democratic framework.

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