Amidst the dynamic political landscape of India, where promises abound and visions shape the nation's trajectory, the election manifestos of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress offer glimpses into the future of judicial reform. In this exploration, we narrow our focus to the promises pertinent to the courts, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the overarching justice system. Let's delve into the key commitments outlined by both parties, illuminating their respective visions for the legal framework of the nation.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
1. National Litigation Policy: The BJP pledges to formulate a National Litigation Policy aimed at expediting legal proceedings, reducing costs, and alleviating the burden on the judiciary.
2. Reforms in Civil Procedures: The party vows to overhaul the commercial and civil justice systems to enhance efficiency and ensure timely justice. These will be similar to reforms in criminal justice system.
3. Land Records Digitization: Embracing digitization, the BJP aims to implement next-generation land record digitization for transparency and efficiency.
4. Accelerating e-Courts Mission Mode Project: The BJP commits to accelerating the digitization of court records to facilitate online access and streamline judicial processes.
5. Expedited Resolution of Old Cases: Fast-track courts will be established to expedite the resolution of pending cases in identified areas.
6. Ecosystem for Alternate Dispute Resolution: Efforts will be made to promote arbitration and mediation for quicker dispute resolution. This will cover online dispute resolution.
Indian National Congress (INC)
1. National Judicial Commission (NJC): Congress proposes the establishment of an NJC in consultation with the judiciary for the selection and appointment of judges.
2. Timely Filling of Judicial Vacancies: The party commits to filling all judicial vacancies within three years to ensure a functional judiciary.
3. Constitutional Court and Court of Appeal: Congress plans to amend the Constitution to create two divisions in the Supreme Court for efficient adjudication. The Constitutional Court is proposed to consist of seven seniormost judges who will hear and decide cases involving the interpretation of the Constitution and other cases of legal significance or national importance. The Court of Appeal is proposed to be the final court of appeal that will be sitting in Benches of three judges each to hear appeals from the High Court and Tribunals.
4. Infrastructure Augmentation and Modernization: Funds will be allocated for enhancing the infrastructure and modernization of the judiciary.
5. Diverse Judicial Appointments: Congress aims to appoint more women and individuals from marginalized communities as judges.
6. Judicial Complaints Commission: A Judicial Complaints Commission will be established to investigate complaints of misconduct against judges.
