Context:
A newly introduced NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework (NCF), discusses challenges within the Indian judicial system, including corruption, case backlogs, and accountability mechanisms. It also references the judiciary’s role in issues such as Electoral Bonds and the Information Technology Act.
Key Highlights:
Judicial System Challenges
• The textbook identifies corruption within the judiciary and massive case backlogs as key concerns.
• It highlights how such issues can erode public trust in the justice delivery system.
Data on Pending Cases
• Supreme Court: ~ 81,000 pending cases.
• High Courts: ~ 62.4 lakh pending cases.
• District & Subordinate Courts: ~ 4.7 crore pending cases.
• These figures reflect the structural capacity constraints in India’s judiciary.
Accountability and Complaint Mechanisms
• The textbook refers to the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
• Between 2017–2021, over 1,600 complaints related to the judiciary were registered through the platform.
Judicial Role in Governance and Democracy
• The book discusses landmark judicial interventions in cases involving:
• Electoral Bonds
• Information Technology Act regulations
• These examples highlight the judiciary’s role in protecting constitutional values and fundamental rights.
Impeachment and Removal of Judges
• It explains the constitutional process of impeachment for removing judges accused of serious misconduct.
• The process ensures due process and the right to defence.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Judiciary: Independent branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and safeguarding the Constitution.
• CPGRAMS: Online platform enabling citizens to file grievances against government institutions.
• Electoral Bonds:
• Introduced in 2018 for political funding through bank-issued bearer instruments.
• Recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (2024) due to concerns about transparency.
• Impeachment of Judges:
• Governed by Articles 124(4) and 217 of the Constitution.
• Requires special majority in both Houses of Parliament.
• Hierarchy of Courts in India:
• Supreme Court → High Courts → District & Subordinate Courts.
• Judicial Accountability Mechanisms:
• Impeachment
• In-house judicial inquiry mechanisms
• Public grievance platforms like CPGRAMS.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Structural Challenges in the Indian Judiciary
• Case backlog due to inadequate judge-to-population ratio.
• Vacancies in courts and infrastructure limitations.
• Limited use of technology in case management. - Concerns About Judicial Integrity
• Even isolated instances of corruption can damage the credibility of the judiciary.
• Public confidence is essential for the legitimacy of democratic institutions. - Importance of Transparency and Accountability
• Transparent processes help ensure institutional trust and rule of law.
• Judicial accountability must be balanced with judicial independence. - Role of Education in Democratic Awareness
• Inclusion of judicial challenges in textbooks promotes constitutional literacy among students.
• Encourages critical understanding of governance institutions. - Way Forward
• Increase judicial appointments and fill vacancies.
• Expand e-courts and digital case management systems.
• Strengthen internal accountability mechanisms without undermining judicial independence.
• Promote legal awareness and civic education among citizens.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper II: Judiciary, transparency, accountability in governance.
• Prelims: Judicial structure, impeachment of judges, CPGRAMS, electoral bonds.
• Ethics: Integrity and accountability in public institutions.