Corruption Is Rampant: Who To Blame ?

Should Judges in India Be Blamed for Corruption in Policing and Government Agencies?

By Dr. Sunil Singh Rana

The Lexà

Introduction: 

India; the world's largest democracy; is governed by a complex system that ideally rests on three robust pillars: the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary. When one pillar falters, the others are expected to rise and restore balance. Among these, the judiciary is revered as the custodian of the Constitution, the protector of individual rights, and the final arbiter of justice. But in recent years, with systemic corruption growing like an uncontrollable vine through the police force and various government departments, an unsettling question arises:

Should judges be blamed for the overall corruption in policing and other government agencies?

As someone who has closely observed and experienced, for over three decades, I believe this issue warrants more than a binary answer. It demands a critical, fair, and reflective discussion.

Understanding the Machinery of Corruption:

Let us start by acknowledging an uncomfortable truth corruption is not a defect in the Indian system; it is, tragically, often the system itself.

Whether it’s the local police station refusing to register a complaint without "chai-paani," or the municipal officer who delays a file until palms are greased, corruption in India is routine, normalized, and in some cases, incentivized. The agencies tasked with upholding the law often break it with impunity.

In such an environment, the common man’s last hope is the judiciary.

But what happens when even that last bastion is perceived as slow, disconnected, or indifferent?

The Judiciary: Not Guilty, But Not Entirely Innocent:

It would be grossly unfair to blame judges directly for corruption in policing or administration. Judges do not appoint police officers, do not issue tenders, and do not influence the day-to-day functioning of government agencies.

But here's the catch:

The judiciary is not just an arbiter of disputes; it is also a moral compass and guardian of accountability. When it chooses inaction, tolerates delay, or turns a blind eye to repeated violations of its own orders, it becomes an unwitting enabler.

My Observations as a Citizen:

Over the last 30+ years, I have interacted with countless citizens, police officials, government clerks, and at times, judicial officers; whether in personal legal matters, civic complaints, or public causes.

What I’ve seen is telling:

Honest officers exist, but are often transferred, side-lined, or demoralized.

Corrupt officials flourish, protected by political or bureaucratic patronage.

Court orders are flouted; especially those related to public grievances, property disputes, and service matters.

Ordinary citizens suffer, stuck in the wheels of procedural delays and institutional apathy.

Judicial silence or delays in these matters inadvertently embolden corrupt actors. Even the most honest judges; if overburdened, unprotected, or disengaged; cannot effect real change unless the system they operate in is made more accountable.

Systemic Challenges Judges Face:

We must not lose sight of the challenges within the judiciary:

Case Overload: Millions of pending cases weigh down even the most diligent judge.

Poor Infrastructure: Lower courts lack basic facilities, let alone tech support.

Threats and Intimidation: Judges working on sensitive cases are vulnerable.

Opaque Appointments: The collegium system often raises questions of bias.

These issues must be addressed if the judiciary is to stand tall against the corrupt machinery of the state.

A Citizen’s Critical View:

From my vantage point as a civilian observer:

1. The Judiciary Must Actively Monitor Implementation of Its Orders.

Passing landmark judgments is not enough. What is needed is persistent monitoring and strict contempt actions when orders are ignored.

2. Courts Must Be Accessible to the Common Man.

Legal costs, adjournments, and procedural rigidity make courts hostile to the underprivileged. A system that is hard to access cannot be expected to ensure justice.

3. Judges Must Lead by Example.

Transparency in appointments, asset declarations, and code of conduct must begin at the top. The moral authority of the judiciary is its greatest weapon against corruption.

4. Political Cases Must Be Handled Sternly and Swiftly.

Delays in trials involving politicians or bureaucrats send the wrong signal: power protects power.

5. The Judiciary Should Protect Whistleblowers.

Those who expose corruption often face retaliation. Courts must proactively protect and reward such brave individuals.

Proverbs, Realities, and Hope:

As the saying goes, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” But in India, we often face the deeper malaise of justice denied by silence.

Another Indian proverb says, “When the fence starts eating the crops, who will protect the field?” The judiciary is supposed to be that fence; but if it stays passive while the executive misuses power, then who will protect the citizen?

Yet, I still carry hope. I have met judges who are upright, fiercely independent, and committed to truth. The spark is alive; but it needs fuel in the form of reform, support, and systemic courage.

Conclusion: A Call for Reflection, Not Blame.

The judges of India should not be blamed for the corruption rampant in the police force or government agencies. But they cannot be absolved of all responsibility either.

Silence, delay, and procedural complacency can cause as much damage as outright wrongdoing. A proactive, transparent, and morally courageous judiciary is the only antidote to the rot that has seeped into our institutions.

As a citizen who has battled this system for years; not from a high chair but from the grassroots; I appeal not just to judges but to every citizen:

Speak up. Stay informed. Hold the system accountable. And never give up on justice.

Because, at the end of the day, the law may slumber, but it should never die.