India Justice Report 2025

The India Justice Report (IJR) 2025 has been released, showcasing the performance of states in justice delivery. Southern states dominate the rankings, with Karnataka leading among large and mid-sized states. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana follow closely, both improving their standings. Kerala and Tamil Nadu complete the top five, indicating a strong regional emphasis on justice capacity, diversity, and reform. Among smaller states, Sikkim maintains its top position, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.

Overview of the India Justice Report

The IJR is a comprehensive data-driven assessment of justice delivery in India. It evaluates states based on four key pillars – police, judiciary, prisons, and legal aid. This report, now in its fourth edition, was initiated by Tata Trusts in 2019 and developed with various partner organisations. It aims to provide vital information about the capacity of states to deliver justice effectively.

Key Findings on Police

The report marks advancements in police infrastructure. Approximately 78% of police stations now feature women’s help desks. Furthermore, 83% are equipped with CCTV surveillance. However, challenges persist. Women hold fewer than 1,000 senior positions in a force of over 20 lakh personnel. Most women in policing occupy constabulary roles, with no state meeting its women recruitment quotas. Representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in officer ranks remains low, at 17% and 12%, respectively.

Judiciary Challenges

India’s judiciary faces critical issues. The country has only 15 judges per million people, below the Law Commission’s recommended 50. Judicial vacancies are alarming, with one in three High Court positions unfilled. District courts experience heavy workloads, averaging 2,200 cases per judge. While women make up 38% of district judges, their representation declines at higher levels, with only 14% in High Courts and a mere 6% in the Supreme Court.

Prison Conditions

Prison conditions in India are concerning. The national occupancy rate in prisons is 131%, with facilities in Uttar Pradesh operating at over double their intended capacity. Undertrials constitute 76% of inmates, overwhelming the system. Health infrastructure is inadequate, with only 25 psychiatrists or psychologists available nationwide. The prisoner-doctor ratio stands at 775:1, far exceeding the recommended benchmark of 300:1.

Legal Aid Developments

Despite the challenges, some progress has been made in legal aid. The per capita spending on legal aid has nearly doubled since 2019. Video conferencing is now implemented in 86% of jails, improving access to legal resources. However, the overall justice system in India remains heavily reliant on individual resilience and advocacy.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the implications of police representation in India on justice delivery.
2. Examine the impact of judicial vacancies on the efficiency of the Indian legal system.
3. Estimate the role of overcrowded prisons in the overall justice system and its effect on undertrial prisoners.
4. Analyse the significance of women’s representation in the judiciary and its influence on legal reforms in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the implications of police representation in India on justice delivery.

1. Low representation of women in senior police roles limits diverse perspectives in law enforcement.
2. Only 17% and 12% of officer ranks are from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, affecting community trust.
3. Most women in policing serve in constabulary roles, hindering their career progression and influence.
4. Failure to meet women recruitment quotas indicates systemic barriers to inclusive policing.
5. Enhanced representation can lead to improved community relations and better justice outcomes.

2. Examine the impact of judicial vacancies on the efficiency of the Indian legal system.

1. One in three High Court positions are vacant, leading to delays in case processing.
2. Judges per million people are at 15, far below the recommended 50, exacerbating backlogs.
3. District courts face an average workload of 2,200 cases per judge, reducing attention to individual cases.
4. Increased vacancies can lead to public disillusionment with the legal system and decreased trust.
5. Addressing vacancies is crucial for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of judicial processes.

3. Estimate the role of overcrowded prisons in the overall justice system and its effect on undertrial prisoners.

1. Prison occupancy averages 131%, with many facilities exceeding double their capacity, compromising conditions.
2. 76% of inmates are undertrials, indicating a backlog in the judicial process and prolonged detention without trial.
3. Overcrowding leads to inadequate health care, with a poor prisoner-doctor ratio impacting inmate well-being.
4. Stress and violence in overcrowded environments can hinder rehabilitation efforts and exacerbate recidivism.
5. Reforming the prison system is essential for ensuring fair treatment and justice for undertrial prisoners.

4. Analyse the significance of women’s representation in the judiciary and its influence on legal reforms in India.

1. Women make up only 14% of High Court judges and 6% of Supreme Court judges, limiting diverse judicial perspectives.
2. Higher representation of women can lead to more equitable legal interpretations and decisions.
3. Increased female judges may promote reforms addressing gender-related issues within the legal framework.
4. Women in leadership positions can inspire future generations and encourage more women to pursue legal careers.
5. Enhancing women’s representation is critical for a more balanced and just legal system in India.