Fairness in judiciary under threat, lawyers’ boycotts delay justice: Justice Oka
India’s justice delivery system continues to grapple with multiple structural challenges, including poor case management and a shortage of prosecutors.
By Newsmeter Network
Fairness in judiciary under threat, lawyers’ boycotts delay justice: Justice Oka
Hyderabad: Expressing concern over the diminishing standards of impartiality in the judicial system, former Supreme Court Judge Justice Abhay S. Oka on Friday said that the fairness, the highest virtue of the legal profession, is fast disappearing.
Delivering a lecture on “Problems the Judiciary is Presently Facing and Solutions to Cure It”, organised by the Telangana High Court Advocates’ Association (THCAA), Justice Oka said India’s justice delivery system continues to grapple with multiple structural challenges, including poor case management and a shortage of prosecutors.
‘Fairness is the soul of justice’
Justice Oka reminded advocates that the foundation of the legal system rests on the virtue of fairness. “Whether for professional or other reasons, fairness and the pursuit of remedy remain the pillars of justice,” he asserted.
He pointed out that India still lacks an effective case management system, resulting in massive pendency of cases. The shortage of public prosecutors, he said, further worsens the delays.
Matrimonial disputes adding to judicial burden
Referring to the steep rise in matrimonial cases, Justice Oka warned that unresolved family disputes could become a major stress point for the judiciary.
“Each matrimonial dispute has the potential to multiply into 25 to 30 cases across different courts if not settled early,” he observed. He also remarked that modern communication platforms like WhatsApp are emerging both as tools of evidence and sources of misunderstanding.
Courts lack basic amenities
Drawing attention to the poor infrastructure in district and trial courts, Justice Oka said that many court complexes still lack essential facilities like drinking water and washrooms.
“It is the constitutional duty of state governments to ensure proper infrastructure and a conducive environment for litigants,” he emphasized, calling for urgent improvement of lower court infrastructure across the country.
‘Boycotting courts is grave injustice to litigants’
Taking a firm stand on the issue of lawyers boycotting court proceedings, Justice Oka said such actions amount to grave injustice to litigants.
Citing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he urged the legal fraternity to abandon unlawful modes of protest and adopt constructive, constitutional means to voice their concerns.
“In trial courts, nearly 5,000 cases may be listed in a single day. When advocates boycott, those cases get postponed, and it is the litigants who suffer. What is their fault?” he questioned.
He stressed that lawyers exist for the service of litigants, not for collective actions that disrupt justice. “The justice delivery system cannot be held hostage to protests or boycotts,” he said, urging advocates to uphold their duty above all else.
Gathering of legal fraternity
The event was attended by several sitting High Court Judges and a large number of senior and junior advocates. THCAA President Anumula Jagan, Vice President Rajeshwar Reddy, and Secretaries Khaja Vizarath Ali and Indrasena Reddy were among those present.
