The burden of waiting for justice

One of the fundamental responsibilities of any state is to ensure justice for its citizens. In a democratic, law-based society, courts are often the last refuge for people seeking redress.

When administrative mechanisms fail, or the influence of the powerful leaves ordinary citizens powerless, the judiciary should serve as a beacon of hope.

Yet in Bangladesh, the reality is far from ideal.

The experiences of litigants within the judicial system have become a matter of serious national concern.

Millions of cases are currently pending in courts across the country. Civil cases can take a decade – or even longer – to reach a conclusion, while criminal cases often remain unresolved for years.

The consequences are profound: financial losses, wasted time, and even the tragedy of people passing away before their cases are decided, leaving their families to bear the burden.

The adage “Justice delayed is justice denied” has never been more relevant.

Frequent adjournments are a particular source of hardship. Hearings are often postponed due to absent witnesses, incomplete documents, or unavailable lawyers.

Ordinary citizens must repeatedly visit courts, losing work hours and spending substantial sums on transport and legal fees.

For rural litigants, this may involve days away from home, disrupting livelihoods and family life.

Corruption and broker syndicates around court premises exacerbate these difficulties.

Many litigants, lacking legal knowledge, fall prey to middlemen who exploit them.

Though most judges and lawyers are honest and competent, misconduct by a minority tarnishes the judiciary’s reputation.

Structural weaknesses lie at the heart of the problem.

The number of judges is insufficient for the volume of cases, court infrastructure is inadequate, and outdated paper-based procedures lead to inefficiency and lost documents.

Government institutions themselves are among the largest litigants, adding further strain.

Urgent reforms are needed. The judiciary must be expanded with more courts and judges, while digital systems – including e-filing, online cause lists, virtual hearings, and case management-should be rapidly implemented.

Strict timelines for case disposal, minimisation of adjournments, and greater use of Alternative Dispute Resolution for family, commercial, and minor disputes can significantly reduce delays.

Legal aid for poor and marginalised citizens must also be strengthened.

Transparent systems and monitoring are essential to combat corruption, alongside continued efforts to ensure judicial independence, professionalism, and ethical responsibility.

The Constitution guarantees equality before the law, but when justice takes years and imposes hardship, that promise is hollow.

Reforming the judiciary is not merely administrative-it is a moral and national imperative.

Without a swift, transparent, and accountable judicial system, the rule of law, social stability, and democracy itself remain under threat.

(The writer is a social thinker, Islamic economist & human rights activist).