Fixing the Judicial Backlog
In Accelerating India’s Development , Karthik Muralidharan says: “Resolving disputes and delivering justice are fundamental roles of a state.” In India, the judicial system moves too slowly. On most other topics, it is the executive’s responsibility to fix and improve things. But when it comes to the judiciary, there is pushback. By the judiciary. Sometimes because the constitutional boundary between the two arms is being violated. And at other times, out of pure self-interest. What then are possible solutions? One non-controversial measure the legislature can take is to simplify the laws and repeal outdated and conflicting laws. Another measure for the legislature is to keep in mind the practicality and costs of enforcing laws that they pass. Most cases in India are at the state level (80% of cases are below district level), so improving judicial efficiency requires states to take the necessary measures. Focusing on the lower judiciary will yield the maximum b...