{"id":160034,"date":"2025-03-25T20:02:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T14:32:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/?post_type=current-affairs&#038;p=160034"},"modified":"2025-03-25T20:02:32","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T14:32:32","slug":"judicial-corruption-in-india","status":"publish","type":"current-affairs","link":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/current-affairs\/judicial-corruption-in-india","title":{"rendered":"Judicial Corruption in India"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recently, the Supreme Court collegium unanimously decided to transfer Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, where he originally came from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This came<\/span><b> after a large sum of cash was allegedly recovered <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">from Justice Varma\u2019s residence after a fire.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.698%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Legal and Institutional Framework to Combat Corruption in India<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 16pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Constitutional Provisions<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Article 124(4) &#038; 218<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Impeachment of SC\/HC judges for &#8220;proven misbehavior or incapacity.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Article 311<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Dismissal of corrupt public servants (excluding judges).<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 16pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Key Legislations<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Criminalizes bribery, undue influence, and illicit enrichment by public servants.<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">2018 Amendment: Criminalizes bribe-giving, mandates speedy trials.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Establishes Lokpal (center) and Lokayuktas (states) to probe corruption against PM, ministers, MPs, and bureaucrats.<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Exclusion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Judges (SC stayed Lokpal\u2019s jurisdiction over HC judges in 2024).<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Benami Transactions Act, 1988<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Targets undisclosed assets; Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigates.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: ED prosecutes money laundering linked to corruption.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), 2003: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To oversee vigilance administration and prevent corruption in public administration.<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">CVC monitors corruption cases and supervises the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>About Judicial Corruption<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corruption within the judiciary involves bribery, nepotism, political influence, and other improper means that compromise judicial independence and integrity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Forms of Corruption:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Adjudicatory Corruption:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges improperly decide cases due to external factors like bribery or political influence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Administrative Corruption:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Manipulation of judicial processes, such as appointing relatives to positions or tampering with case records.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Uncle Judge Syndrome:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Lawyers related to judges appearing before their relatives, creating a network that influences judicial outcomes.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes of Judicial Corruption<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Lack of Transparency in Appointments and Transfers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allegations of undue influence in appointments and transfers have repeatedly surfaced but remain unaddressed due to lack of transparency\u200b.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Collegium System:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The opaque selection and transfer of judges under the collegium system encourages favoritism and nepotism.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absence of clear, objective criteria for elevation and transfer leads to quid-pro-quo arrangements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Political Influence and Executive Pressure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges may be pressured by political actors to deliver favorable verdicts in high-profile cases.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Threat of Transfers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Unfavorable decisions may result in punitive transfers or denial of promotions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Bribery and Favoritism in Case Outcomes<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Adjudicatory Corruption:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges may accept bribes to influence case outcomes, leading to selective justice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Administrative Corruption:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Court clerks and staff may manipulate files or delay proceedings in exchange for money.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Post-Retirement Benefits and Placements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges accepting lucrative positions in tribunals, commissions, or advisory boards after retirement raises concerns about <\/span><b>quid-pro-quo<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while in office.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judges may deliver favorable judgments to secure future benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Nepotism and Favoritism (\u2018Uncle Judge Syndrome\u2019)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Family Networks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges\u2019 relatives practicing law in the same court where they serve creates conflicts of interest.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Mutual Favoritism:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Lawyers related to judges receive preferential treatment, undermining the fairness of the system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Law Commission\u2019s 230th Report (2009)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> acknowledged the \u201cUncle Judge Syndrome,\u201d recommending that judges be transferred from their parent High Courts to avoid such conflicts\u200b.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ineffective Disciplinary Mechanism: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The In-House Mechanism lacks external oversight and is often opaque, allowing corrupt practices to go unchecked.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Confidentiality of Proceedings:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Disciplinary proceedings against judges are kept confidential, which diminishes accountability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite over <\/span><b>1,600 complaints<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> received against judges between 2017 and 2021, only a few cases led to visible disciplinary action\u200b.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Lack of Whistleblower Protection and Internal Oversight:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges or court officials who expose corruption within the system risk facing punitive actions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No formal mechanism exists to protect whistleblowers in the judiciary.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Institutional Framework &#038; Accountability Mechanisms in Judiciary<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>In-House Mechanism (1997): Established by the Supreme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Court in a Full Court meeting in May 1997.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Purpose:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To take remedial action against judges who violate judicial standards or principles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Process:\u00a0 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complaints against Supreme Court and High Court judges are forwarded to the <\/span><b>Chief Justice of India (CJI)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CJI or concerned Chief Justice initiates an in-house inquiry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Judges (Protection) Act, 1985:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> An Act for securing additional protection for Judges and others acting Judicially and for matters connected therewith.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provides immunity to judges from civil and criminal litigation for actions taken in discharge of their judicial duties.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Collegium System:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> System for appointment and transfer of judges in higher judiciary.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Structure:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Supreme Court Collegium:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Headed by the CJI and includes the 4 senior-most judges.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>High Court Collegium:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Headed by the Chief Justice of the High Court and includes 2 senior-most judges.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Impeachment Process (Articles 124 &#038; 217):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can be removed through impeachment by Parliament.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Grounds:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Proven misbehavior or incapacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Process: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motion initiated in either House of Parliament.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investigation by a committee followed by a resolution passed by a special majority.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A code of conduct adopted by the Supreme Court in 1997.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outlines ethical standards for judges, but lacks enforceability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Contempt of Courts Act, 1971: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judges can use contempt powers to maintain the dignity of the judiciary.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Criminal contempt for scandalizing the court or lowering its authority.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) \u2013 (Struck Down in 2015): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Proposed to replace the Collegium system to enhance transparency in judicial appointments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Role of Parliament and Executive<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><b>Parliament: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can initiate impeachment proceedings and introduce reforms for judicial accountability.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited role in day-to-day oversight of the judiciary.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Executive: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducts IB inquiries on judicial appointees but has no power to influence judicial outcomes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Exclusion of Judiciary:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are excluded from the purview of Lokpal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Law Commission Recommendations<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>230th Report (2009):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Advocated for transferring judges from their parent High Courts to avoid favoritism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>214th Report (2008):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Recommended reforms in the collegium system and greater transparency.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use of technology:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To digitise the legal process and monitor the entire life cycle of a case.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>LIMBS (Legal Information Management &#038; Briefing System)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It is\u00a0 a web-based application to monitor cases in a more effective and transparent manner where the central government of India is involved.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Comprehensive Code of Conduct and Accountability Reports:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It should be a more formal and comprehensive Code of Conduct for Judges that will be enforceable by law.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The\u00a0 annual reports on functioning and efficiency should be published to foster accountability, as it has been done by the Orissa High Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Risks and Consequences of Judicial Corruption<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Erosion of Public Trust and Legitimacy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Corruption weakens public confidence in the judiciary, which is supposed to be the last resort for justice.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If judges are perceived as compromised, citizens lose faith in the rule of law, undermining democratic institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.6996%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 16pt; color: #000000;\"><b>High-Profile Cases Involving Judicial Misconduct<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Justice V Ramaswami (Supreme Court): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Misused <\/span><b>public funds for renovating his official residence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as Punjab &#038; Haryana HC Chief Justice.<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>First impeachment motion (1993)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> failed in Lok Sabha despite the committee finding him guilty.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Justice PD Dinakaran (Chief Justice, Sikkim HC; formerly Karnataka HC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Owned disproportionate assets.<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Resigned (2011) after Rajya Sabha passed impeachment motion.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Justice Soumitra Sen (Calcutta High Court)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Misappropriated large sums of money as <\/span><b>court-appointed receiver.<\/b><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Resigned (2011)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before Lok Sabha could vote on impeachment.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Justice SN Shukla (Allahabad High Court)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Took bribes to influence medical college case (2017).<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judicial work <\/span><b>withdrawn, but remained judge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> till retirement (2020). CBI later charged him.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Justice IM Quddusi (Odisha High Court)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Middleman in medical college bribery scam involving SC judges (2017).<\/span><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Action<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Arrested by CBI, got bail. Case pending.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Compromised Rule of Law:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Corrupt judges may favor influential parties, leading to selective application of the law.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judicial corruption encourages lawlessness, as wrongdoers are not held accountable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Political and Executive Interference:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Corruption gives political actors leverage over judicial decisions.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Threat to Checks and Balances:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> An influenced judiciary compromises the separation of powers and weakens democracy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Delayed Justice and Judicial Backlog:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Corrupt practices such as deliberate delays, tampering with files, and favoring certain cases slow down the judicial process.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prolonged delays deprive ordinary citizens of timely justice, exacerbating frustration and disillusionment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Rise in Organized Crime and Corruption:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Corruption within the judiciary enables criminals, politicians, and business elites to operate with impunity.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When courts fail to prosecute corruption cases effectively, it emboldens offenders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Inequality and Marginalization:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Corruption disproportionately affects marginalized communities who lack the resources to \u2018buy\u2019 justice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wealthy and influential can manipulate the system, while the poor are denied fair hearings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Judicial Accountability Deficit:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ineffective disciplinary mechanisms and absence of public scrutiny result in minimal consequences for corrupt judges.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite multiple allegations of corruption, no High Court or Supreme Court judge has ever been convicted, highlighting the lack of accountability\u200b.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Negative Impact on Foreign Investment and Economy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judicial corruption raises concerns among investors about the fairness and reliability of the legal system.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corruption in commercial litigation discourages foreign direct investment (FDI), hindering economic growth.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need for Judicial Accountability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Upholding the Rule of Law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The judiciary is a pillar of democracy, and its accountability ensures that it functions within the framework of the Constitution.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accountability mechanisms act as checks and balances to prevent misuse of judicial power.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Maintaining Public Trust<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Transparency and accountability in judicial processes enhance public confidence in the judiciary.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When judges are held accountable, citizens perceive the judiciary as fair and impartial.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Preventing Corruption<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strong accountability mechanisms deter judges from engaging in corrupt practices.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accountability ensures that instances of judicial misconduct are exposed and addressed promptly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Ensuring Judicial Independence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Accountability mechanisms ensure that judicial independence is not misused to shield misconduct.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upholding ethical standards through accountability reinforces the judiciary&#8217;s independence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Addressing Judicial Delays<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Accountability mechanisms can help identify and address inefficiencies in the judicial system, reducing delays.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Case Management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Transparent processes improve case management and reduce pendency.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Protecting Fundamental Rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Accountability ensures that all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to justice.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accountability mechanisms help prevent judicial bias and ensure equal treatment under the law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Preventing Abuse of Power<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Accountability mechanisms prevent judicial overreach and ensure that judges do not exceed their constitutional mandate.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper use of contempt powers ensures that criticism of the judiciary is constructive and not stifled.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>International Practices to Address Judicial Corruption<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>United States: Judicial Conduct and Discipline Framework<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Judicial Conduct System:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges are subject to investigation by <\/span><b>Judicial Councils<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in their respective circuits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The presence of external review bodies ensures impartial investigations and oversight.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>United Kingdom: Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Merit-Based Appointments: Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> appoints judges based on <\/span><b>merit, transparency, and diversity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The selection process is independent of political influence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Australia: Judicial Commission of New South Wales<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Independent Oversight Body: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Judicial Commission of New South Wales (JCNSW)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> investigates complaints against judges and ensures judicial accountability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Periodic monitoring and continuous training promote a culture of integrity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Singapore: Integrity and Strict Disciplinary Measures<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Judicial Integrity Standards: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judges follow strict codes of conduct and <\/span><b>financial disclosure norms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to maintain integrity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A proactive approach ensures swift action and discourages corruption.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>International Standards: Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Key Principles: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopted in 2002, the principles (Independence, Impartiality, Integrity, Propriety, Equality, Competence) set a global standard for judicial conduct.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourages adherence to ethical standards and international guidelines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Way Forward to Address Judicial Corruption<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Enhance Transparency in Judicial Appointments and Transfers<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Reform the Collegium System: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider reviving a modified version of the <\/span><b>National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with necessary safeguards to preserve judicial independence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore a <\/span><b>hybrid model<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that maintains judicial primacy while incorporating external oversight to balance transparency and independence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Strengthen the In-House Disciplinary Mechanism: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make the inquiry process <\/span><b>transparent and time-bound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Create a Judicial Ethics Commission: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An independent body empowered to investigate complaints against judges.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Introduce Mandatory Asset Declaration by Judges: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make <\/span><b>annual asset declaration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by judges mandatory and publish them on official websites.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish a mechanism for <\/span><b>independent verification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of asset declarations to detect discrepancies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Inclusion of Judiciary Under Lokpal with Safeguards: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts under the <\/span><b>ambit of Lokpal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amend the <\/span><b>Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to include judiciary with necessary safeguards.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digitization and AI-Based Case Management: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scale up the <\/span><b>e-Courts Mission Mode Project<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure complete digitization of court records and case proceedings.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen <\/span><b>case management systems<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by integrating AI to identify and address bottlenecks in the judicial system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Revive and Implement All India Judicial Services (AIJS): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement <\/span><b>AIJS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure uniform standards of recruitment and reduce nepotism at the subordinate judiciary level.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limit Post-Retirement Appointments and Benefits: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduce a <\/span><b>mandatory cooling-off period<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of at least 2 years before judges can accept post-retirement positions in government bodies or commissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Introduce Legislative Framework for Contempt Reform: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amend the <\/span><b>Contempt of Courts Act, 1971<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to clearly define contempt and prevent misuse.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addressing judicial corruption requires a multi-faceted approach that includes independent oversight, transparent processes, whistleblower protection, and public participation. By adopting international best practices, countries can strengthen their judicial systems, enhance public trust, and ensure the delivery of impartial and efficient justice. These practices provide valuable lessons for India as it seeks to reform its judiciary and combat corruption effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.6375%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 111.19%; text-align: center;\" colspan=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Also Read<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Daily Editorials<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/daily-current-affairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Daily Current Affairs<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Daily Current Affairs Quiz<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Daily Main Answer Writing<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-previous-year-papers?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Previous+Year+Papers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/upsc-test-series-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Test Series<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-modules?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Modules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Supreme Court collegium unanimously decided to transfer Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, where he originally came from.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":160007,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"paper-wise":[],"subject":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/160034"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/current-affairs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=160034"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/160034\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":160037,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/current-affairs\/160034\/revisions\/160037"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/160007"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=160034"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=160034"},{"taxonomy":"paper-wise","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/paper-wise?post=160034"},{"taxonomy":"subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject?post=160034"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}