The Hindu Business Line : No budgets for the judiciary

During the past few weeks, we have heard lobbyists from all interest groups airing their grievances and making suggestions to the budget-makers at the Centre and the States. One vital sector that has no spokespersons is the judiciary. This neglected area includes not only the Supreme Court and the high courts, but also the subordinate courts, tribunals and various other quasi-judicial bodies.

Lack of financial resources affects the administration and dispensation of justice in the country at all levels. Many suggestions for improvement could not be implemented for want of infrastructure. The judiciary had earlier indicated, to the government, its various requirements to handle increased workloads. The government was made aware of requirements such as the requisite number of court halls, judges, chamber, houses, books and staff.

But for nearly a decade, there has been wrangling over these eminently accepted suggestions. In its present judgement, the Supreme Court noted that 12 years have gone by and the action taken by the government is still "to be ascertained".

There are petitions pending in the Supreme Court regarding issues of infrastructure and facilities required by subordinate courts and tribunals. Perhaps things might improve only when more leaders experience first-hand the slow mills of justice.

Ramakanth Inani

Hyderabad

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: bleditor@thehindu.co.in

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Making India an R&D powerhouse

Target subsidies

Budget session — Will pending Bills get time?

The e-power shift

Can economy be monsoon-proofed?

Tangled skein

Railways: Making it the beast of burden

Railways: Too much on the track

No budgets for the judiciary