DELAYED JUSTICE

Justice is perceived as a right that everyone is entitled to. From the Greeks to the Mongols, every major civilization has had their own justice system. While their methods to deliver justice varied, their interpretation of justice was the same- everyone had to be treated fairly, laws had to be enforced to prevent any harm from befalling the people and when harm had been committed; punitive action had to be taken. Even though the days of the Greeks and the Mongols are of yore, the concept of justice is the same. It is imperative to understand that justice isn’t merely an abstract idea. It is the lifeline of civilization, secularism and democracy; the ideals that the contemporary world is built on.

As the common man has become increasingly aware of his rights, his yearning for justice has increased. Every year we see a plethora of cases being filed in courts of all levels. While the increased awareness is definitely a sign of advancement, it holds one undesirable possibility-

disappointment. The disappointment I’m referring to is not the disappointment a person would feel after receiving an unfavourable judgement. It is the disappointment in not receiving a judgement at all. More often than not, people wait years to get justice. Access to justice is a right ensured by the Indian constitution. It is desolating to know that people have to wait years just to get what is guaranteed to them. It is quite ironic that even though justice is a remedy that must be provided quickly, the wheels of the justice system are slow.

“Justice delayed is justice denied.” This is a popular legal principle. If this principle is true, then, more than 40 million Indians have been denied justice. 27 million cases are pending in the subordinate courts alone. The main reason for this is the acute shortage of judges in our country. The current judge to population ratio is 10 to one million. The Law Commission Report of 1987 recommends a ratio of at least 50 to one million. The population has increased by 250 million since 1987. Qualified judges must be appointed to revive the condition of the judiciary and restore its reputation as the guardian of liberty. Every moment that passes without justice reaching those who deserve it, is an eternity of quiet vanquishment of civilization and society.