Standoff of executive and judiciary at conference

2009-08-17 08:52:29 - Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishanan expressed concern over the chronic shortage of judicial officers, which he said is hindering efforts to overcome ever-increasing number of pending cases

Manmohan Singh urged the judiciary to eliminate its backlog of 31.18 million cases, the largest in the world, Chief Justice Balakrishnan attributed the malady to the "chronic shortage of judicial officers" and demanded appointment of more judges to match the country's judge-to-population' ratio to that of developed nations.

The Prime Minister, in turn, conceded the need to enhance the judges' strength

in proportion to the population, but only after filling up existing vacancies at the levels of the subordinate judiciary and the high courts - a task largely performed by the judiciary itself.

The differing perception of priorities of the executive and judiciary on the issue of huge backlog of cases was apparent from the addresses of the prime minister and the chief justice at the day-long annual conference of the chief justices and the chief ministers of various states at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

At a joint conference of chief ministers' and chief justices of High Courts' in New Delhi , Prime Minister said the ministry of law and justice is preparing a roadmap for judicial reforms and to this regard a national consultation with jurists and stakeholders will be held in the national capital very soon.
Dr Singh urged the state governments to initiate immediate action on implementing the Grama Nyalaya Act, which will give way to setting up of over 5000 courts in panchayat level. This he said will bring justice to the doorstep of the common man.

Dr Singh asked the judiciary to fill up 3,000 vacant posts immediately as India has the largest backlog of court cases in the world. He said vacancies in subordinate courts comprise 20 to 25 per cent of judicial posts. The Prime Minister said that state judicial academies needs to be strengthened for building the capacity of judicial officers. Dr Singh advocated for a comprehensive computerisation and ultimate linking up of all courts in the country into one mega judicial information grid.

He also sought legal aid for marginalised sections of the society. Dr Singh said that 71 additional CBI courts are being set up in states to clear the backlog. He also said that the fast track courts should conduct business differently and faster. Complimenting the judiciary as dynamic and completely independent, the Prime minister said the focus of our judicial system should be to wipe out every tear from every waiting litigant.