Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 28/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (28-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

“The Indian criminal justice system often delivers unequal outcomes depending on geography. In light of this, critically examine the factors leading to judicial inequality and suggest measures to ensure uniform access to justice across states.”

Introduction

The principle of “equal protection of law” enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution is fundamental to Indian democracy. However, recent findings from the India Justice Report 2024 and analyses like “Where Not to Commit Murder” reveal that outcomes in criminal trials vary sharply across Indian states, challenging the ideal of uniform justice delivery.

Judicial Inequality Across States – Key Indicators

Metric	Example
Conviction Rate for Murder	Kerala: 88% vs Jharkhand: 7.4%
Prosecution Vacancies	Over 30% in multiple states
Case Pendency	NE and Bihar: >7 years average in lower courts
Prison Overcrowding	States like Uttar Pradesh >150% capacity
Legal Aid Access	Varies significantly by state capacity and awareness

Factors Leading to Inequality

Factor	Explanation
🛑 Inadequate Infrastructure	Shortage of courtrooms, judges, forensic labs
🧑‍⚖️ Vacancy in Key Roles	Prosecutors and judicial officers often unfilled for years
⚖️ Police-Prosecution Gap	Weak coordination reduces case quality
📊 Lack of Data-Driven Reform	State-specific justice dashboards are rare
🌐 Digital Divide	Poor e-court access in rural/tribal districts

Ethical and Governance Implications

Principle	Violation
⚖️ Rule of Law	Eroded when law functions inconsistently
🧭 Justice & Fairness	Victims and accused face arbitrary outcomes
🔍 Public Trust	Declines due to prolonged or biased trials
🧑‍💼 State Responsibility	Fails to uphold minimum standards of justice delivery

Steps Taken So Far

Fast Track Special Courts for sexual offences (POSCO, rape cases)
E-Courts Phase II: Case listing, video conferencing enabled
NCRB Digitisation: FIR and case tracking being streamlined
Legal Services Authorities Act (1987) – Legal aid for poor, though unevenly implemented
Criminal Law Reforms (2023 Bills) – Aims to overhaul IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act

Way Forward

Recommendation	Strategy
👨‍⚖️ Fill Judicial Vacancies	National-level monitoring via NJAC-like body
📈 Real-time Justice Dashboards	Public data on pendency, conviction, judge ratio
🎓 Legal Literacy Drives	Especially in backward and tribal areas
🔗 Police-Prosecution-Judiciary Link	Integrated case management systems
🧑‍💻 Tech Access in Rural Courts	Digital infra + paralegal support in backward districts

Conclusion

Justice must not be determined by which Indian state one resides in, but by the uniform application of law. Judicial inequality strikes at the heart of constitutional morality. India must urgently reform and invest in its criminal justice ecosystem to uphold the promise of “justice for all”, not just a privileged or better-governed few.

✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?

🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!

For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.

Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group