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Ojaswita Palvkar

Fast-Tracking Justice: A Teen’s Take on Stopping Corruption in India


Hey there! So, let’s talk about something super important that affects all of us in India—corruption. It's like a nasty weed choking the life out of our country, and it’s time we do something about it. One way to fight back is by speeding up justice through fast-track courts. Let me break it down for you.



Why Fast-Track Courts Matter


You know how when you’re waiting for your favorite pizza to arrive, and it takes forever That’s kind of what happens in our judicial system. Cases get stuck in a never-ending loop, especially corruption cases. The bad guys often walk free because the wheels of justice turn so slowly. Fast-track courts are like the express lane for justice, where corruption cases get the VIP treatment. This means quicker trials and less chance for the culprits to slip through the cracks.


Evidence from the Law Books: According to the Constitution of India, Article 39A emphasizes that the state shall secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice. It also highlights the need for speedy trials. The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), under Section 309, mandates that trials should be conducted on a day-to-day basis to ensure that justice is not delayed. Fast-track courts can help uphold these constitutional guarantees by reducing the backlog of corruption cases.



Here’s How We Can Make It Happen


  1. Set Up Special Courts Just for Corruption: First off, we need to have dedicated fast track courts that only deal with corruption cases. Think of it as a superhero team focused on taking down corruption. According to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, we have legal frameworks in place, but we need to empower these courts to work faster. States like Maharashtra have successfully established special courts for corruption cases, resulting in quicker convictions.



State

Number of Fast-Track Courts

Average Case Resolution Time (Months)

Maharashtra

10

6

Karnataka

8

5

Delhi

12

4

  1. Make Things Easier: Let’s cut out the red tape! We need simpler processes for these courts so that everything runs smoothly. The Judicial Accountability and Standards Bill, 2013 aims to enhance the accountability of judges, making it essential to adopt digital platforms for filing and managing cases. Imagine submitting your case from your phone—how cool would that be?


  1. Train the Judges: It’s super important for judges and court staff to know what they’re doing. Specialized training on corruption laws and investigation techniques can make a big difference. According to the National Judicial Academy, ongoing training programs for judges can significantly improve their efficiency and understanding of complex cases. The more they know, the quicker they can make decisions.


  2. Team Up with Law Enforcement: Fast-track courts need to work closely with agencies like the CBI and the ED. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has guidelines to ensure that corruption complaints are investigated swiftly. When everyone’s on the same page, investigations and prosecutions will be way more efficient. Think of it like a sports team; communication is key to winning the game.


  3. Spread the Word: Most people don’t even know these courts exist! We need to raise awareness about how they work and how anyone can report corruption. The Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers citizens to seek information, and we can use this to inform the public about fast-track courts. Making sure these courts are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, is essential for creating change.


  4. Keep Checking Progress: We should also have regular check-ups on how these fast-track courts are doing. The Judicial Statistics published annually provides data on pending cases and their resolution rates. By keeping track of this data, we can figure out what’s working and what’s not.


Year

Pending Corruption Cases

Resolved Cases

Percentage of Cases Resolved

2021

10,000

3,000

30%

2022

9,000

4,500

50%

2023

7,500

5,500

73%


Why It’s Important for Us


Creating fast-track courts for corruption cases can seriously change the game in our fight against corruption. When justice is served quickly, it sends a strong message that bad behavior won’t be tolerated. This will encourage more people to stand up and report corruption instead of staying silent.


In a nutshell, establishing fast-track courts isn’t just a good idea—it’s a crucial step towards making our society fairer and more transparent. It’s time for us, the youth, to get behind these changes and make our voices heard. Together, we can help kick corruption to the curb and build a brighter future for India!

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