First dividends of separated judiciary

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=36200

First dividends of separated judiciary
Salutary impact in lower courts

THERE has been much discussion and debate as to the impact in the higher courts of the long-awaited separation of the judicial branch from the executive branch, but we are pleased to note that in the operation and functioning of the lower courts there can be no question that the measure has been a resounding success.

We are gratified to learn from the Supreme Court registrar that the lower courts have been able to expeditiously dispose of over 3 lakh cases in the six months since the lower judiciary was made independent of political control.

Of course, this is not enough, and over six lakh cases remain pending as well as over two and a half lakh more in the higher courts, but it is a good start and the kind of improvement that the nation hoped to see when the independence of the judiciary had been a burning priority.

Let us hope that in the coming six months a large proportion of the remaining back-log of cases are also disposed of with similar efficiency and that justice can continue to be delivered swiftly, smoothly, and equitably.

It is reported that there are still 168 posts of judges that remain vacant and we trust and hope that they will be filled up quickly in order to help deal with the remaining backlog of cases. It is understood that, in addition, 390 new assistant judges will be appointed this month to help address the backlog.

These are all heartening measures and we cannot stress enough how crucial it is for the nation that the courts continue in the direction of greater efficiency and impartiality. There is no more fundamental right than the right to justice.

For too long the everyday citizens of the country suffered due to the politicisation of the judiciary which meant that for those not well connected or wealthy enough that there was no recourse to justice when they had been wronged.

We applaud the fact that the Bangladeshi people are now getting greater access to justice and urge the concerned authorities to ensure that the delivery of justice only gets better.