Justice for All: Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s Bold Agenda to Tackle Case Backlogs, Cut Costs, and Ensure Equal Access to Courts

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna had recently accepted the oath of office as the 51st Chief Justice. In this regard, he has clearly set an agenda that is forward-looking for his tenure, with a prime focus on clearing backlogs of cases, bringing down the cost of justice, and ensuring equal access to the legal system. His term will bring transformative changes in the judiciary to make it more user-friendly and service-oriented.

Guardian of the Constitution

Justice Khanna explained that the role of the judiciary is both that of a constitutional guardian and a service provider for justice. Contemplating his responsibility to guard the rights of citizens and the Constitution, he continues with these words: "The judiciary is an integral, yet independent, part of governance, entrusted with the responsibility of protecting fundamental rights." His approach underscores the role of the court in governance as a defender of rights, but more so as an institution that serves people.

Equal Justice and Opportunity

Equal treatment in the justice system is a part of the core elements of Chief Justice Khanna's vision. "Everybody, irrespective of status, wealth or power, deserves fair opportunity and unbiased adjudication," he said, adding "the framework of justice delivery should provide equal treatment and fair opportunity to all".

He mentioned cases of backlogs by saying "this alone cannot be the lot of weaker sections of society." Facilitation of processes and simplification with ease must be initiated, and backlogs have to be tamed, he added.

One of the big-ticket items of India's judiciary is the ever-mounting backlog of cases. Justice Khanna seeks to cure it by reducing trial durations and streamlining legal procedures to make litigation less cumbersome and affordable. Affordable justice, in this sense, indicates a commitment to removing barriers that prevent people from access to the law courts in general.

Making Courts More User-Friendly

One of the main elements of Justice Khanna's vision is accessible and understandable courts. He intends to introduce reforms that make court proceedings and judgments more accessible to the public. His hope is to provide such solutions in a much easier and faster way for citizens through the promotion of mediation as well as other alternative dispute resolution methods. He said judgments should be intelligible and the courts accessible and accessible to all and that justice must be responsive and receptive, he said, reiterating his stance.

Selective Reforms: Critical Reforms in Criminal Case Management

He emphasizes that for reforms to be targeted, criminal cases need to be managed in a focused way and for systematic measures to be devised that would usher in efficiency by reducing the time frame when the trial takes place. He further lays an emphasis on the nonburdening justice delivery system that instead makes the humane approach to minimize delays and enhance the user experience within the legal framework.

Key Tasks of the Collegium:

In addition to this, the reformulation of the administrative system, the Supreme Court Collegium under Justice Khanna would have as an immediate task the filling up of two vacancies existing in the Supreme Court which despite sanction at 34 judges, is presently functioning with only 32 judges. Constitution Benches would also form a major area of concentration. Some of the pending constitutional matters that would find urgency and attention are the use of money bills in the Parliament, marital rape, and the case involving entry into the Sabarimala temple.

A Brief Tenure with a Lasting Impact

Justice Khanna succeeded Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and is now barely six months into the office, but his agenda seems choc-full with ambitions. If the signal he sends out in continuing the focus of enhancing accessibility, simplifying procedures and ridding backlogs is anything to go by, then he is here for judicial reform that not only protects constitutional values but also makes justice affordable to all citizens.

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