Constitutional Basis
Articles 21, 39A, and the Right to Speedy Justice
Judicial infrastructure directly serves constitutional guarantees. Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which the Supreme Court has interpreted to include the right to a speedy trial. Article 39A (Directive Principle) mandates the State to ensure that the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity, including provision of free legal aid.
- Article 39A was inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976; it forms the basis for the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
- Inadequate court infrastructure — shortage of court halls, residential units for judges — directly contributes to pendency of cases, currently over 5 crore cases pending across Indian courts.
- The DISHA scheme (2021-2026, ₹250 crore) runs alongside the CSS to improve legal services delivery through Tele-Law and Nyaya Bandhu (pro bono services).
● Tracked since March 12, 2026 · last seen August 30, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
23 Aug '26
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