Indian Polity & Constitution
In News: In a rare exhibition of transparency the Orissa High Court has published an annual report taking stock of its performance in a difficult year that was punctuated by the resurgence of the pandemic.
- By subjecting itself to the scrutiny of the common citizen, the court has shown exceptional humility.
- The report provides a district-wise breakup of cases and availability of judges.
- It contains a section explaining the reasons for delays and backlog at the level of the district judiciary.
- The report also sheds light on the administrative functioning of the court.
Importance of Judicial Accountability
- Annual reports have traditionally been an important way of ensuring accountability of public bodies to Parliament and citizens.
- Unlike the executive, the judiciary is not under any legal obligation to prepare annual reports or table them before Parliament or the state legislature.
- Making annual reports mandatory will lead to judicial accountability to the citizens of India
- Helps Higher judiciary to take measures to avoid delays in resolving cases, appointments of judges and administration of sub ordinate courts
- The report helps to introspect on the challenges facing the institution.
Source: Indian Expres
