Evolving Dimensions of Judiciary in India

Law, being a mode of social engineering, cannot be viewed in isolation. The vitality of law as a living organism is primarily dependent on the judge’s ability to interpret the same. From its nascent stage, the apex court in India has struggled with the issue of striking an equilibrium between economic and social reform programmes on the one hand and establishing the credibility of India by fostering respect for rule of law, on the other. This article deals with the changing dimensions of the Indian judiciary in playing a fundamental role in shaping the constitutional jurisprudence. The researcher seeks to examine the varying trends of the Supreme Court of India from the 1950’s to 1970’s, the 1980’s in the light of the introduction of Public Interest Litigation, the post 1990’s with the approach to liberalization and finally, the time period from 2000, wherein the judiciary has taken up an activist role. Further, the judicial reforms initiated to enhance administration, including the introduction of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the constitution of Lok Adalats to amicably settle and compromise the disputes pending in the courts, the providing of free and competent legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society in consonance with Article 39A of the Constitution, the establishment of specialized tribunals, both administrative and internal (for instance Administrative Tribunals and the Armed Forces Tribunal) as well as tribunals dealing with the disputes arising out of or associated with economic activities such as Competition Appellate Tribunal, Securities Appellate Tribunal etc. have been highlighted. However, the researcher urges that the need of the day is to strive towards better quality of government and enhanced administration and that the judiciary has an essential role to play in achieving that goal. In conclusion, it is stated that unless people’s mental barriers towards reforms are broken, attempts of external remedies are bound to fail