Legal Reforms Required in Judiciary

Abstract

What challenges the Indian judiciary is a system hailed earlier as a robust protector of the rule of law and fundamental rights. The case of Vishnu Tiwari vs. the State of UP presents such challenges by showcasing the human cost due to judicial flaws and systemic inefficiencies. The present paper mirrors the structural and functional problems of the system, including case backlogs, corruption, and lack of accountability. In this context, it engages in an in-depth analysis of the Indian judicial system with an emphasis on demonstrating the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the judiciary by bringing out the Vishnu Tiwari case. It recommends improving judicial accountability through evaluation, setting up an independent Judicial Appointments Commission, improvement in case management systems, and augmentation in legal aid services. Comparative lessons from jurisdictions such as the UK, the US, and Canada offer valuable insights for reforming the Indian judiciary. Finally, the paper concludes that this meaningful reform is not only a requirement for speeding up justice delivery, but it is also required for regaining public confidence in the judiciary's effective and just delivery of justice.

Keywords: Indian Judiciary, Judicial Reforms, Vishnu Tiwari case, Case backlog, Judicial accountability, Legal aid case management, Judicial appointments, Comparative analysis, Justice delivery