Enabling Judicial Support Staff Key to Speed Up Justice
In a chapter dedicated to increasing the capacity of the district judiciary, the Economic Survey (2018-19) highlights that the district and subordinate courts account for 87.54% of the 35.3 million pending cases in the judiciary.
The Hard Realities of India’s Fast Track Courts
Fast-track courts are in the limelight yet again. Smriti Irani, Minister for Women and Child Development, informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has proposed to set up 1,023 fast-track courts to clear the cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
From No Evaluation to Self-Evaluation: What Justice Swaminathan’s Performance Card Should Mean for Judicial Performance Evaluation in India
Discussions around performance evaluation procedures for judges in India start with emphasising the need for judicial accountability, but suggestions for evaluation of the higher judiciary often get stonewalled against arguments on judicial independence.
Are Judicial Statistics Just Another Sheet of Paper in the Pile?
The Supreme Court of India recently released its Annual Report for the year 2017-18. For those interested in judicial statistics for the High Courts, this is considered to be one of the few sources where one can find information regarding the nature of cases instituted, disposed, and pending in all the High Courts.
Why Are Public Enterprises Unable to Compete With the Private Sector? The Supreme Court Weighs in.
The recent Supreme Court judgment in Caretel Infotec. Vs. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (Civil Appeal No. 3588 OF 2019) highlighted the problem of excessive litigation challenging public sector tenders.
Should The Central Selection Mechanism For The Appointment Of Subordinate Courts Judges Be Implemented?
An overwhelming number of judicial positions in subordinate court are vacant and the Supreme Court is pressuring state authorities and the High Courts to fill these vacancies. The Court has sought their opinion on establishing a central selection system for appointing district judges.
What Parameters Should We Use to Judge Our Judges?
A recent news report indicated that the NITI Aayog is working on a proposal to introduce performance reviews for judges across the country.
AI in courts as a Way Forward in Judicial Analytics
Imagine a scenario where a judge is armed with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to handle each case on his/her docket.
Commercial Courts: Serving Justice or Ease of Doing Biz
The report suggests boosting the current strength of judges from 143 to 186 to clear all the pending cases in one year
Why Indian Courts Shouldn’t Get Their Hopes Up With Congress Promise of Judicial Reform
Congress’ election manifesto opens debate on much-needed reform in Indian judiciary but promises have seldom turned into government action.
