Context
According to a recent report published by the Ministry of Law and Justice on the state of infrastructure in district courts across the country, significant deficiencies in the infrastructure in district courts are hindering the efficient delivery of justice.
About
- The report, carried out throughout 20 district courts from 10 States — protecting two districts each from the North, South, West, Central, and East areas, which include the northeastern regions of India — centered on the infrastructure issues confronted by means of district judges, advocates, and assisting administrative staff.
- The report is part of the scheme for Action Research and Studies on Judicial Reforms under the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice.
Major Findings
- Overcrowding in courtrooms: There is high overcrowding in courts, which are heavily burdened with case reports and archived reports, leading to a lack of space for people inside.
- As a result, advocates, litigators, and parties have to stand in the court due to limited space inside.
- IT infra shortfalls: Only 45% of judicial officers surveyed suggested having electronic display facilities, while 20% indicated that installations are still in progress.
- Availability of video conferencing facilities in jail: Around 32.7% of judicial officers responded that they do not have the sort of facility available in their district court complicated.
- 41% of aid staff stated the absence of laptop systems with multifunctional printers.
- Lack of Fire Safety: Around 39% of judicial officers reported the absence of fire safety equipment within their courtroom premises which indicates a potential safety hazard.
- Comfort and capability are in addition compromised by using insufficient fixtures, with 36.3% of judicial officers agreeing that their courts lack adequate seating and essential furnishings.
- Lack of Basic Amenities: A big part of the staff lacks access to fundamental facilities including common rooms and attached lavatories.
- Only 14.6% of male support workforce and 10.7% of the woman support staff do not have common rooms, while 73.7% support staff do not have attached toilets.
Way Ahead
- The complete lower judicial system needs restructuring.
- The difficulty of lack of infrastructure and human sources in terms of the distance of courts, availability of primary fixtures, digital infrastructure, and skilled manpower needs to be monitored at the lower judiciary level.
- The keystone of a robust and strong judicial system is sound infrastructure, which simultaneously performs a pivotal role inside the justice dispensation manner.
Source: The Hindu
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