The Ministry of Law and Justice has spotlighted alarming deficiencies in the infrastructure of district courts across India, raising serious concerns about the efficiency and safety of the judicial system. The report, titled “Empirical Study to Evaluate the Delivery of Justice Through Improved Infrastructure,” was prepared by the Director of the Centre for Transparency and Accountability in Governance at National Law University, Delhi, and was released on July 8.
The study reveals critical issues impacting the day-to-day functioning of district courts, with overcrowding being one of the most pressing problems. Courtrooms are reportedly overwhelmed with case files and archived documents, leaving insufficient space for legal practitioners and litigants. This congestion forces many individuals to stand during proceedings, disrupting the judicial process and impacting access to justice. The report, which surveyed 20 district courts across 10 states—including regions from the North, South, West, Central, East, and the Northeast—highlights widespread dissatisfaction among advocates regarding courtroom accessibility and spatial arrangements. Many bar rooms are inadequately located, and passages are often congested with litigants, further exacerbating the inefficiencies.
In terms of technological infrastructure, the report notes a significant shortfall. Only 45% of judicial officers have access to electronic display facilities, while 20% are still awaiting installations. Additionally, 32.7% of judicial officers report a lack of video conferencing facilities in their district court complexes, which hinders the modernisation of court processes. Safety concerns are also prominent. Approximately 39% of judicial officers have reported the absence of fire safety equipment in their courtrooms, presenting a considerable safety risk. The report also underscores the lack of essential furniture and facilities, with 36.3% of courtrooms lacking adequate seating and furnishings. Furthermore, 29.3% of judicial officers are without an Ahlmad room, crucial for administrative support.
Support staff face their own set of challenges, including inadequate basic amenities. Only 14.6% of male and 10.7% of female support staff have access to common rooms, and a significant 73.7% lack attached toilets, affecting their working conditions. The report also highlights issues related to transportation and accommodation for judicial officers. With 44.5% of officers using personal vehicles for official duties and 50.4% residing in government-provided accommodations, the need for better logistical support is evident.
Director of the Centre for Transparency and Accountability in Governance stressed that the entire lower judicial system requires a comprehensive overhaul. “The deficiencies in infrastructure, basic amenities, and digital facilities need urgent attention to enhance the efficacy of the judiciary,” the report concludes. This assessment forms part of the scheme for Action Research and Studies on Judicial Reforms under the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, emphasising that robust infrastructure is pivotal to an effective justice delivery system.
