Kapil Sibal Raises Alarm Over Low Judge-Population Ratio at National District Judiciary Conference

Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal expressed concern over India's low judge-population ratio at a national judiciary conference inaugurated by PM Modi, emphasizing the need to empower lower courts for effective justice delivery. The event also marked the release of a commemorative stamp and coin for 75 years of the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal voiced his concerns about the low judge-population ratio in India during the inaugural event of the National Conference of District Judiciary at Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Modi, who inaugurated the two-day conference, also unveiled a commemorative stamp and coin marking the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court.

In his address, Sibal highlighted, "The judge population ratio is abysmally low in India. The roster at the district and sessions level is overburdened." He stressed the importance of empowering trial, district, and session courts, arguing that they should deliver justice without fear or fervor. Sibal added that lower courts are vital and should have the confidence that their judgments won't be held against them.

Sibal further lamented the seldom granting of bail by lower courts, attributing this to the burden on higher courts. He emphasized that liberty is fundamental to a thriving democracy and that any attempt to restrict it impacts its quality. The two-day conference, organized by the Supreme Court, will feature five working sessions on issues like infrastructure, human resources, inclusive courtrooms, judicial security, wellness, case management, and judicial training. Notable attendees included Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

(With inputs from agencies.)