Corruption in Indian Judiciary

सत्यमेव जयते

"Truth Alone Triumphs" 

One of the most frequently used words in India, corruption signifies a range of things.The sheer number of cases pending in the Indian judicial system (26 million at last count) says it all. Given that, and the number of judges across various states (per lakh of population), the system is rife with delays and inefficiencies -- ideal conditions for middlemen to step in. In the year preceding the survey, 59% of respondents paid bribes to lawyers, 5% to judges, and 30% to court officials.

• WHY PEOPLE PAY BRIBE?

1. Favourable judgement

Recent media reports have shown that it is possible to secure a favourable judegement in a lower court by bribing the judiciary, although the situation radically improves when it comes to the higher courts.

2. Speeding up judgement                                                     

There is a huge backlog of cases in Indian courts which results in delayed judgements. It is quite common for a case to drag on for years. People often have to pay bribes to speed up the process.

3. Other activities                                                                    

A llot of non case related work also falls under the purview of the judiciary. This includes the issual of affidavits, registrations, etc. People often pay bribes to get this work done by a middleman.

4. Obtaining bail

The judge has a lot of discretion in issuing bail; the guidelines governing this are fairly basic. It is possible to secure bail by influencing the judge in some cases.

5. Manipulating witnesses

As some recent high-profile cases have shown, witnesses are manipulated through money or force into giving favourable testimony.

• Suggested Solutions

* Websites and CDs can explain basic law to laymen.

* Court files can be computerized.

 * Video recordings of cout procedings should be maintained.

* Increase number of judicial officers and number of fast track courts.
* Create a vigilance cell for redressal of public grievances.

Worried Gandhi

* Judges must be subject to judicial review.

* Judges must follow a code of conduct.

* A public body must keep an eye on the judicial system.

* An Indian judicial service must be created.

Source : The Hindu