COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF LEGAL DELIBERATION IN INDIA

This article is written by Szymon Gorny of 4^th Semester of Maastricht University, an Intern under Legal Vidhiya

Abstract:

Legal deliberation in India serves as the cornerstone of the country’s justice system, embodying the process of rigorous analysis, argumentation, and decision-making within courts and legal forums. This abstract offers a succinct overview of an analytical exploration into the multifaceted dimensions and significance of legal deliberation in India. The study delves into the intricacies of the adversarial courtroom dynamics, the evolution of precedent-setting judgments, and the interplay between legal scholarship and judicial interpretation.

As India’s legal system navigates a rich tapestry of historical, constitutional, and cultural influences, legal deliberation plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance between individual rights, societal values, and the rule of law. Through the examination of landmark cases and legislative debates, the research sheds light on how legal deliberation mirrors the country’s evolving socio-political landscape.

Moreover, this exploration underscores the symbiotic relationship between legal deliberation and India’s dynamic societal challenges, such as technological advancements and environmental concerns. By analyzing the intricate threads of legal reasoning, this study reveals how legal deliberation shapes, and is shaped by, the ever-changing contours of the nation’s legal and ethical fabric.

Ultimately, the research seeks to illuminate the mechanisms through which legal deliberation upholds justice, equity, and fairness in India’s diverse and complex society. By uncovering the processes, nuances, and implications of legal deliberation, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of its role in maintaining the foundations of justice and the rule of law in India’s democratic framework.

Keywords– Legal deliberation, bicameral system, election, India, Poland, comparison

Introduction:

Legal deliberation in India is a cornerstone of the country’s justice system, encompassing the intricate process of legal discussion, argumentation, and analysis that occurs within the realm of courts, tribunals, and various legal forums. It serves as the crucible through which conflicting interests, rights, and principles are examined, leading to the establishment of legal precedents and the administration of justice. The significance of legal deliberation cannot be overstated, as it forms the bedrock upon which the rule of law, fairness, and equity are upheld in a diverse and complex society like India.

The Indian legal system, steeped in a rich historical and constitutional context, functions as a dynamic amalgamation of various legal traditions, principles, and statutes. This intricate web of legal frameworks necessitates a rigorous process of deliberation to interpret, apply, and adjudicate upon matters that traverse a spectrum of issues – from civil disputes and criminal offenses to constitutional challenges and human rights concerns. The process of legal deliberation serves as the fulcrum upon which justice pivots, ensuring that individual rights are safeguarded, disputes are resolved, and the law evolves in response to societal changes.

In this analytical exploration of legal deliberation in India, we delve into the multifaceted dimensions of this process. From the adversarial nature of courtroom arguments to the nuanced reasoning of judgments, legal deliberation underscores the country’s commitment to due process and the principle that no one is above the law. The interplay between the advocate and the judge, the dynamics of precedent-setting decisions, and the role of legal scholarship and interpretation all contribute to the intricate tapestry of legal deliberation in India.

Public Interest Litigation

It was was introduced in India in the 1980s to make the judiciary more accessible to the common people and to ensure that justice reaches those who may not have the means to approach the courts through traditional litigation. It is rooted in the idea that the courts should not only address individual grievances but also play a proactive role in safeguarding public interest and upholding the rule of law.

Once a PIL petition is filed, the court evaluates its merit and decides whether it should be admitted for further consideration. The court may request the petitioner to provide additional information or evidence to support the claims made in the petition. The judges deliberate on the issues raised, and if the court finds that the matter involves substantial public interest, it may proceed with the case. In complex cases, the court may seek the assistance of experts, including scientists, economists, social activists, and more. Expert opinions help the court understand the technical aspects of the issue, contributing to a well-informed legal deliberation. PIL often invites public participation through amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs. Individuals, NGOs, or experts can provide additional information or insights to aid the court’s deliberation.

Overall, the concept of PIL in India is closely connected to legal deliberation. It allows the courts to actively participate in addressing issues of public concern and promoting social justice. PIL has played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape of the country and holding authorities accountable for actions that impact the broader society.

Constitutional Adjudication

Constitutional adjudication refers to the process by which courts interpret and apply the provisions of a country’s constitution to resolve legal disputes and ensure the constitution’s supremacy. It involves the courts examining the constitutionality of laws, governmental actions, and decisions to determine whether they conform to the constitutional principles and safeguards. Legal deliberation within the context of constitutional adjudication involves the careful examination and discussion of constitutional issues by judges to arrive at well-reasoned and legally sound decisions.

Overall, legal deliberation in the context of constitutional adjudication involves a thorough examination of constitutional principles, legal arguments, precedents, societal impact, and the values underlying the constitution. It is a crucial aspect of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that decisions are well-founded, consistent, and just.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

The concept of Alternative Dispute Resolution includes mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, conciliation, as well as judicial settlement through Lok Adalat, which aims to help parties to resolve disputes without a trial. The legal basis for ADR is section 89 of Code of Civil Procedure^[1]. It states, that regarding for arbitration or conciliation, the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 shall apply. Furthermore, with regards to Lok Adalat provisions of sub-section (1) of section 20 of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987 and all other provisions of that Act shall apply.

Interestingly, in 2019 India International Arbitration Center Act was passed, which established India International Arbitration Centre for creating an independent and autonomous regime for institutional arbitration. The goal of the creation of the centre is to assist people with conciliation, mediation and arbitral proceedings and create the list of accredited arbitrators, conciliators and mediators^[2].

Regarding mediation, on 1.08.2023 Rajya Sabha passed the Mediation Bill which aims at institutionalizing and promoting the process of mediation^[3]. The Bill reduces the maximum time for completion of mediation proceedings to 180 days, which can be extended to further 180 days, if agreed by both parties.  It mandates the parties to attempt to settle a civil or commercial dispute through mediation before approaching a court or tribunal. The Parties have to attend at least 2 sessions with the mediator, otherwise financial sanction can be imposed. Both sides are allowed to withdraw from the process after 2 sessions, however they are at allowed to apply to the court or tribunal for mediation, even if they had failed to reach a settlement earlier. Creation of Mediation Council of India is also part of the bill , which states that the main functions of the council  will be registering mediators and recognising official mediation providers and mediation institutes.

 Lok Adalats is another example of ADR, as it was established with the primary goal of reducing the backlog of pending cases in the Indian judicial system and providing a quicker and cost-effective mechanism for resolving disputes. A Lok Adalat is usually composed of a sitting or retired judge, a legal expert, and a social worker. In some cases, the judge can act as a conciliator, working to facilitate a settlement between the parties. If an agreement is reached between the parties in the Lok Adalat, it is considered binding and has the same legal force as a decree of a civil court. However, if no agreement is reached, the case can be referred back to the regular court for adjudication.

In conclusion, Alternative Dispute Resolution not only saves valuable time and money of the parties to the dispute but also promotes the environment for enforcement of contract and ease of doing business. We can observe recent developments, including introduction of both Mediation Bill as well as India International Arbitration Center Act, which even more developed possibility of legal deliberation in India.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the comprehensive analysis of legal deliberation in India underscores its paramount significance in shaping the country’s legal landscape and ensuring justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Legal deliberation forms the bedrock upon which the edifice of the Indian judicial system stands, enabling judges to meticulously interpret laws, constitutional provisions, and precedents while considering the broader implications for society.

Through this analysis, we have witnessed how legal deliberation permeates every facet of the Indian legal process, from the meticulous interpretation of statutes to the intricate examination of constitutional issues in cases of public interest litigation. This process involves a careful balance between upholding individual rights and considering the welfare of the collective, a delicate equilibrium achieved through rigorous examination, thoughtful discourse, and a commitment to justice.

 In the final analysis, legal deliberation in India embodies the wisdom, dedication, and resilience of the judiciary, standing as a testament to the nation’s commitment to justice and the enduring pursuit of a just and equitable society. Through its meticulous examination of legal principles, precedent, and societal impact, legal deliberation serves as the cornerstone of a vibrant, evolving, and principled judicial system that upholds the rights and aspirations of all its citizens.

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^[1] Section 89, Code of Civil Procedure

^[2] https://legalaffairs.gov.in/sites/default/files/Arbitration_Mediation.pdf

^[3] https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a5cb4ccf-9fb5-4328-8597-c3ce93a59532