UK Judge Calls Indian Supreme Court Workload Unsustainable
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
UK Supreme Court judge Lord George Leggatt, during a visit to India, commented on the unsustainable workload of the Indian Supreme Court, highlighting the stark contrast with the UK Supreme Court's caseload. His remarks have sparked discussions on judicial reforms, including potential separation of constitutional and appellate jurisdictions.
Background
The Indian Supreme Court functions as both a constitutional court and the final court of appeal, hearing tens of thousands of cases annually. In contrast, the UK Supreme Court hears fewer than 100 appeals per year. India's growing economy and increasing litigation are expected to further strain the system.
Key facts
UK Supreme Court judge Lord George Leggatt expressed admiration for Indian judges' hard work but called the workload unsustainable in the long run.
The Indian Supreme Court receives about 90,000 cases annually, while the UK Supreme Court deals with roughly 300 applications for permission to appeal and hears around 60 appeals.
The UK Supreme Court has about one-third the number of judges compared to the Indian Supreme Court.
Lord Leggatt noted that simply appointing more judges cannot solve the problem; some form of reorganisation is needed.
Most leading legal systems have a three-tier court structure, whereas the Indian Supreme Court also exercises original jurisdiction.
Lord Leggatt spoke at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) annual conference in India.
Prelims pointers
- Indian Supreme Court: constitutional court and final court of appeal.
- UK Supreme Court: hears fewer than 100 appeals annually.
- Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC): international arbitration body.
- Judicial appointments: India vs UK systems differ.
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Discuss the need for judicial reforms in India, including separation of constitutional and appellate jurisdictions.
- GS2 Polity: Compare judicial appointment processes in India and the UK.
- GS2 Polity: Examine the impact of workload on judicial efficiency and access to justice.
- GS3 Economy: Link between growing economy, litigation, and judicial infrastructure.