The Indian judicial system stands as one of the most intricate and robust legal frameworks in the world, embodying the principles of justice, equality, and fairness enshrined in the Constitution of India. Rooted in the ideals of democracy, it functions as an independent organ of the state, ensuring that the rule of law prevails above arbitrary power. Its primary responsibility is to interpret laws, safeguard constitutional rights, and dispense justice to all sections of society without fear or favour. The system, influenced by the common law traditions inherited from colonial times, has evolved into a uniquely Indian institution that addresses the complex socio-political realities of the nation.
At the apex of the judicial hierarchy is the Supreme Court of India, which is the guardian of the Constitution and the final court of appeal. It exercises original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction, thereby acting not only as a protector of fundamental rights but also as an interpreter of constitutional provisions. The High Courts in each state or group of states function beneath the Supreme Court, supervising the judicial machinery at the state level. Subordinate courts, including district and session courts, as well as magistrates’ courts, form the foundation of this hierarchy, ensuring that justice reaches the grassroots. This pyramidal structure enables accessibility and accountability, ensuring that citizens at every level have recourse to legal remedies. The Indian judiciary is also characterized by its independence, which is crucial in maintaining the balance of power among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Judges enjoy security of tenure, protection of salaries, and immunity from arbitrary removal, which shields them from political interference. This autonomy allows the judiciary to act as a watchdog, keeping governmental powers in check and ensuring adherence to constitutional values. Through instruments like judicial review, courts possess the authority to strike down laws or executive actions that contravene the Constitution, reinforcing the supremacy of constitutional governance. Over the years, the judiciary has played an instrumental role in shaping Indian democracy. Landmark judgments such as Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, which established the basic structure doctrine, or Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, which expanded the scope of personal liberty, exemplify the judiciary’s dynamic role in protecting individual rights against state excesses. Through public interest litigations, the courts have also broadened access to justice, allowing individuals or groups to approach the judiciary on behalf of marginalized sections of society, thereby democratizing the legal process.
Nevertheless, the system is not without challenges. The staggering backlog of cases remains a persistent concern, with millions of disputes pending across various levels of the judiciary. This delays the timely delivery of justice and undermines public faith in the system. Additionally, issues of judicial vacancies, infrastructural deficiencies, and occasional allegations of corruption cast shadows on its credibility. The judiciary also walks a fine line between judicial activism and overreach, with critics sometimes questioning whether the courts encroach upon the domain of the legislature or executive.
Despite these challenges, the Indian judicial system remains an indispensable pillar of the nation’s governance and democracy. It has consistently acted as a guardian of rights and liberties, a mediator in conflicts, and an upholder of constitutional supremacy. Its resilience lies in its adaptability, as it continues to evolve in response to changing social, economic, and political landscapes. Reforms aimed at technological integration, increased transparency, and faster disposal of cases promise to strengthen the system further, ensuring that the timeless ideal of justice—delayed though it may sometimes be—remains neither denied nor diluted.
The Indian judiciary, with its rich legacy and evolving jurisprudence, thus stands as a testament to the enduring quest for justice in a diverse and democratic society. It remains both a shield and a sword, protecting citizens from injustice while shaping the moral and constitutional conscience of the nation.
CONTRIBUTED BY – Kavi Nandan Biswas