‘Tareekh Pe Justice’ book review: A compelling read for policymakers, legal practitioners, and citizens
India’s district courts serve as the backbone of the judicial system, handling the bulk of civil and criminal cases. However, they are plagued by inefficiencies, delays, and a backlog of cases that stretch for years. Tareekh Pe Justice: Reforms for India’s District Courts is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the structural challenges of India’s lower judiciary and presents pragmatic solutions to reform it.
The book takes its title from the famous Bollywood dialogue “Tareekh pe tareekh” from the movie Damini, symbolising the endless adjournments and procedural delays that characterise India’s district courts. It presents a comprehensive analysis of the systemic issues that hinder timely justice and explores the various facets of judicial reforms that can make district courts more efficient, transparent, and accessible.
The authors examine the procedural bottlenecks, infrastructure deficiencies, and manpower shortages that cripple India’s district courts. The book is backed by data, real-life case studies, and insights from legal experts, making it a compelling read for policymakers, legal practitioners, and citizens interested in judicial reforms.
One of the book’s core discussions revolves around the staggering number of pending cases in district courts. With millions of cases unresolved, the book delves into the reasons behind these delays, including overburdened judges, inefficient court management, and excessive procedural formalities.
The book advocates for greater use of technology in district courts. It highlights the benefits of digitisation, e-filing of cases, virtual hearings, and AI-driven case management systems. The authors argue that integrating technology can significantly reduce delays and improve efficiency in delivering justice.
Another critical issue addressed in the book is the acute shortage of judges in India’s district courts. The book presents data on the alarming judge-to-population ratio and stresses the need for faster recruitment processes, better training programmes, and improved working conditions to attract legal talent to the judiciary.
The book also discusses how the current judicial system disproportionately affects the poor, who struggle with legal costs, long wait times, and a lack of awareness about their rights. It suggests measures to make district courts more people-friendly, such as strengthening legal aid services, setting up fast-track courts for marginalised communities, and simplifying court procedures.
A crucial argument made in the book is that judicial accountability is necessary to restore public trust in the legal system. It calls for better case management, strict monitoring of adjournments, and regular performance evaluations of judges to ensure that cases do not drag on indefinitely.
Tareekh Pe Justice is a well-researched, insightful, and urgent call for judicial reforms in India’s district courts. Its blend of research, storytelling, and practical solutions makes it essential reading for policymakers, legal
It does not merely critique the existing system but also provides actionable solutions to address the crisis of delayed justice. The book is a must-read for policymakers, legal scholars, and anyone concerned about the state of India’s judicial system. It serves as a timely reminder that justice delayed is justice denied, and without urgent reforms, the common citizen will continue to suffer in an overburdened judicial machinery.
Tareekh Pe Justice: Reforms for India’s District Courts
Authors: Prashant Reddy T. and Chitrakshi Jain
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 270
Price: ₹799 (Paperback)
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