What justice means, the Supreme Court and High Courts, Public Interest Litigation, tribunals, and other ways to settle disputes: Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas, arbitration and mediation.
Key ideas
Substantive justice is a fair outcome; procedural justice is a fair process where everyone is heard.
The Supreme Court is the highest court, then the High Courts, then the subordinate (district) courts closest to the people.
The judiciary must be independent so judges can decide without pressure from anyone powerful.
A writ petition asks the Supreme Court or a High Court to enforce Fundamental Rights.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a case filed on a matter of public concern.
Tribunals decide particular kinds of disputes, such as the National Green Tribunal for the environment.
In arbitration the arbitrator decides and both sides are bound; in mediation the mediator only helps them agree.
Remember
Retirement age
Supreme Court 65, High Court 62
Appoints Supreme Court judges
the President
Supreme Court began
26 January 1950
Supreme Court jurisdiction
original, appellate, advisory (also writs)
Lok Adalat
people’s court that settles disputes amicably
Gram Nyayalaya
mobile village court
Years left to serve
retirement age − present age
Watch out
Swapping the retirement ages: 65 for the Supreme Court, 62 for High Courts.
Mixing up arbitration (a binding decision) and mediation (help to agree).
Thinking only the person affected can file a PIL: anyone can, on a matter of public concern.
Worked example
Judge A joins the Supreme Court at 58; Judge B joins a High Court at 57. How many years can each serve before retiring (Supreme Court 65, High Court 62)?