Budget needs to offer a vision to reform India's overburdened justice system
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. As India celebrates over 75 years of independence, a significant challenge continues to hinder the progress of our democracy: the inability of the justice system to deliver timely justice. The numbers are staggering—over 5 crore cases are pending in courts across the country, with many taking 15-20 years to reach resolution.
This delay impacts millions, including 2.5 lakh undertrials languishing in jails despite Supreme Court guidelines on bail, and taxpayers burdened by ₹12.5 lakh crore in unresolved disputes. The need for reform is urgent. Delays and inefficiencies erode faith in the system, allowing corrupt individuals to escape accountability while ordinary citizens struggle for justice.
Addressing this crisis demands a comprehensive approach with targeted solutions and substantial investment. Also Read | Budget 2025 | Tax breaks to spur spending, boost economy? India’s judiciary faces immense pressure due to a shortage of resources. With only 20 judges per million people, compared to the recommended 50 and the US's 100, the system struggles to keep up with the growing caseload.
Moreover, the serious dearth of public prosecutors, forensic laboratories, and trained investigators compounds delays. Court infrastructure is inadequate, and outdated legal processes often exacerbate inefficiencies. Millions of old cases, some over 15 years old, clog the system, while routine government appeals contribute further to the backlog.
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