Efficiency in the Indian Supreme Court: The Need for Double Shifts and Judicial Reforms

The Supreme Court of India, a cornerstone of the Indian judicial system, has been grappling with a significant backlog of cases for several years. According to Dr. K.V. Sreenivasan, a prominent Constitutional researcher and reform advocate, the issue of efficiency in the court's operations can be significantly addressed through reforms such as implementing double shifts for judges and increasing the number of judicial personnel.

Dr. Sreenivasan's Contributions to Judicial Reforms

Dr. Sreenivasan, in his comprehensive book titled “Appointment and Removal of Judges- Indian Context”, has offered a detailed examination of the mechanisms for appointing and removing judges in India. His book, published by Notion Press and available through Amazon and Flipkart, includes an e-book version that comprises 600 pages and offers 45 strategic suggestions aimed at improving the judicial system.

Implementing Suggested Reforms

Among the 45 suggestions Dr. Sreenivasan proposed, several have already been gradually integrated into the system. For instance, live relaying of court proceedings has been successfully implemented to enhance transparency and public access. Stipends for budding advocates for the first three years have also been introduced to encourage legal talent. Special courts have been constituted to trial corrupt politicians, thereby addressing the issue of political corruption. Further, enhancing the role of women in the judiciary and providing judges with necessary training has been prioritized.

The Impact of Pending Cases

Despite these reforms, the persistent backlog of cases remains a critical challenge. One of the main reasons for this inefficiency is the limited availability of judges and the adversarial nature of legal representation. As Dr. Sreenivasan notes, selective counsel only receive briefs and cannot work in multiple shifts. This limitation hinders the possibility of implementing two-shift systems, thereby affecting the overall efficiency of the court.

Proposed Solutions: Double Shifts and Additional Judges

To address the backlog effectively, it is essential to explore the possibility of having double shifts for judges. Implementing such a system would require flexible working hours and robust scheduling. Additionally, increasing the number of judges would also help in distributing the caseload more evenly and ensuring faster resolution of cases. These measures would not only enhance the efficiency of the court but also instill public confidence in the judicial system.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court of India faces significant challenges in managing its caseload effectively. While several reforms have been implemented, the ongoing backlog of cases necessitates further action. Implementing double shifts for judges and increasing the number of judicial personnel are viable solutions that could significantly improve the efficiency of the court. Recognizing the importance of these reforms is crucial for maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the judiciary in India.