In a session of the Rajya Sabha, Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Rajiv Shukla, drew attention to alarming statistics concerning the increasing undertrial population in Indian prisons. Shukla highlighted that over the past decade, the undertrial population has risen consistently, reaching 76% of all prisoners by 2021.
Expressing concerns about the prolonged wait for justice, Shukla criticized the significant backlog in the legal system, with courts taking years to resolve cases. He quoted Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul of the Supreme Court, advocating for lower and high courts to grant bail to undertrials.
Shukla emphasized the urgent need for judicial reforms, expressing disappointment at the lack of progress in this critical area. He criticized the judiciary for advocating reforms in other domains such as cricket, hockey, and medical councils while allegedly resisting reform within itself.
“The judiciary says – reforms are needed in cricket, hockey, medical council etc., but the judiciary refuses to reform itself!” exclaimed Shukla, pointing out a perceived inconsistency in the willingness to change.
Highlighting resistance within the judicial system, Shukla mentioned judges’ reluctance to reform, stating, “Judges say – We don’t need any reforms, let us be the way we are. Look at the Collegium system, etc.”
Shukla underscored the human impact of delayed justice, citing examples of elderly women in prison. He urged the Law Ministry to collaborate with stakeholders for immediate action to address the growing undertrial population and expedite judicial reforms for timely justice delivery.
This call for reforms in the judiciary comes amid rising concerns about the efficiency and responsiveness of the legal system in India.
