Correct option is D
"Public Interest Litigation" (PIL) is not a factor necessitating reforms in the Indian judicial system. Instead, it is a tool that has been instrumental in addressing social issues and providing access to justice for disadvantaged sections. PIL enhances judicial accessibility and is considered one of the strengths of the judicial system, rather than a cause for reforms.
Explanation:
- Slowness and inaccessibility of the judicial process (a): The backlog of cases and procedural delays highlight the need for judicial reforms.
- Antiquated court procedures and management practices (b): Outdated methods hinder efficiency and contribute to delays in delivering justice.
- Flaws in procedural law (c): Ambiguities and inconsistencies in procedural laws create bottlenecks and delays.
- Public Interest Litigation (d): PIL has expanded the scope of justice by allowing the judiciary to address public grievances, ensuring judicial activism for social justice.
Information Booster:
- PIL allows individuals or groups to file cases for societal or public concerns, even if they are not directly impacted.
- Delays in the judicial system result in over 40 million pending cases in India.
- Antiquated practices include manual filing and lack of digitization.
- Flaws in procedural laws can be addressed by simplifying and modernizing legal processes.
Additional Information:
- (a) Slowness and inaccessibility: A major challenge, with cases pending for decades in some courts.
- (b) Antiquated court procedures: Modern case management systems are required to improve efficiency.
- (c) Flaws in procedural law: Uniformity in laws and reducing complexity can ease judicial burden.
- (d) Public Interest Litigation: An innovative judicial mechanism unique to India, ensuring broader access to justice.