22 February 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

The Hindu Editorial: February 22, 2025.

1. Converting court case backlogs into treasure troves

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Backlog in the Legal System

• The legal system in India has a massive backlog of cases.
• The Supreme Court has 82,000 cases pending, High Courts have over 62 lakh cases, and lower courts have nearly five crore cases.
• Around 50 lakh cases have been pending for more than 10 years.

Challenges in the System

• Judges in India are hardworking and efficient, but the vast population leads to a high number of cases.
• The judge-to-population ratio is low, with only 21 judges per million citizens.
• The adversarial legal system results in multiple interim applications and appeals, prolonging cases.
• There are shortages in infrastructure, finances, and human resources, making reforms difficult.

Possible Solutions

• Data governance can improve classification and avoid repetitive litigation.
• Retired judges can be appointed in an ad hoc capacity to help clear pending cases.
• Reforming specific litigation areas like landlord-tenant disputes and cheque bouncing cases can reduce unnecessary cases.
• Imposing compensatory or punitive costs can deter frivolous litigation, a practice commonly used in other countries.
• The government is involved in nearly half of the disputes, so reducing its litigation can help ease the backlog.

Impact of the Backlog

• The backlog creates a long waiting period, leading to denial of justice.
• Many cases lose relevance over time, and the original complainants may no longer be alive.
• The backlog symbolizes failure in the legal system, affecting the judiciary.

Mediation as a Solution

• Mediation gained prominence in 2005 in India as a court-supported process.
• It involves a neutral mediator guiding both parties to a fair solution without imposing a decision.
• It is used in various disputes like civil, commercial, matrimonial, and property cases.
• Mediation has been welcomed by the legal community, with thousands of trained mediators available.

How Mediation Can Help Reduce Backlog

• Mediation transforms backlog into an opportunity by resolving cases outside the court.
• Cases can be assigned to trained mediators, reducing the burden on judges.
• Mediation is faster and cheaper than litigation, requiring only a few sessions.
• Unlike litigation, it often restores relationships and provides a mutually accepted solution.

Conclusion

• The legal backlog is a major issue, but mediation offers a practical solution.
• By integrating mediation into the system, courts can reduce delays and improve justice delivery.
• The backlog should be seen as a resource for mediation, helping turn legal problems into solutions. 

2. The U.S. visit, viewed through industry’s business lens

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and Economic Growth

• The initiation of the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) will reduce trade barriers and simplify regulatory processes.
• This agreement is expected to attract more U.S. companies to invest in India, strengthening economic ties.
• The ambitious $500 billion trade target by 2030 is achievable through sectoral sub-targets and streamlined cross-border trade.
• Steps have already been taken to address tariff issues, ensuring that India can export labour-intensive goods and agricultural products while importing industrial goods from the U.S.
• Greenfield investments, including by Indian firms in the U.S., will be encouraged, promoting business expansion.
• Sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, garments, and textiles are expected to benefit significantly from this agreement.

Technological and Strategic Partnerships

• The U.S.-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative deepens the strategic and technological partnership between the two countries.
• TRUST focuses on innovation in defence, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space.
• The INDUS Innovation initiative aims to boost research and development in emerging technologies.
• India’s role in the AI economy is growing, and the U.S.-India Roadmap on AI Infrastructure will encourage investment in AI-driven industries, including fintech, healthtech, and agritech.

Defence Cooperation and Indigenous Manufacturing

• Defence sector collaboration has strengthened through expanded technology transfers, joint production, and industrial partnerships.
• A 10-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership has been launched, marking a significant shift in defence ties.
• Agreements for co-production of defence systems will promote indigenous manufacturing, skill development, and economic growth.
• India stands to benefit significantly from defence agreements, particularly through offset clauses that will support local industries.

Energy Security and Renewable Goals

• Energy cooperation was a key topic, focusing on long-term strategic linkages to diversify India’s energy sources.
• Increasing hydrocarbon production will help improve global energy stability and affordability.
• India’s Union Budget 2025-26 supports private sector participation in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), with U.S. companies contributing to this sector.
• As India pursues its net-zero goals, U.S. natural gas reserves can serve as a reliable energy source.

Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity

• The U.S. and India are committed to strengthening the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Joint infrastructure projects will accelerate developments in railways, highways, smart cities, and industrial zones.
• The undersea cable project connecting India and the U.S. will support India’s digital economy and services exports.

Higher Education and Student Mobility

• The two nations have agreed to enhance higher education collaboration, allowing U.S. institutions to set up campuses in India.
• This initiative will provide Indian students with better education opportunities while ensuring smoother legal mobility for studies and employment.

Conclusion

• Indian industry is committed to working with both governments to maintain economic progress and ensure effective implementation of these initiatives.
• With sustained reforms and pro-business policies, the benefits of this visit can be fully realized.
• This visit marks not only a diplomatic success but also a blueprint for India’s economic growth, fostering innovation and strengthening India’s position in global partnerships. 

 Read more- 21 February 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis