The number of vacancies in district and subordinate courts is 382 as per the given table. This has a significantly negative impact as many cases remain pending in the courts. In the course of extended period of cases remaining pending, many litigants die while others suffer as the accused and the criminals get enough time to negotiate and turn the cases in their favour. And as we all know, justice delayed is justice denied.

One must conclude after examining the functions of Indian Judiciary that it plays a critical role in its democracy. It protects the citizens of the country against any possible misuse of authority by the Legislature and Executive.
Moreover, a citizen can go to the Judiciary directly to seek justice in case his/her Fundamental Rights have been violated.
From this, I have learned the value and importance of Indian Judiciary in strengthening the country's democracy besides my personal well-being.

1. The first High Courts were established during the British rule in 1862. They were set-up in the three presidency cities of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
2. The Supreme Court that we have at present was preceded by the Federal Court of India 
3. The Federal Court of India was established in 1937 during British rule.
4. It was located in the Chamber of Princes in the Parliament House. It was in operation till 1949. 
5. The Supreme Court that we have today replaced that. The Delhi High Court was established in 1966. Now, the country  has one Supreme Court at the top and 24 High Courts.

The Judiciary has played a crucial role in democratic India in the following ways:
(i) It serves as a check on the powers of the Executive and Legislature.
(ii) It protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens against other citizens and the state.

1. In India, we have an integrated judicial system This means that the decisions made by the higher courts are binding on the lower courts. The higher courts act as a point of reference or 'the court of record' for lower courts.
2. The integrated judicial system is also achieved through appellate system. According to this system, if a person is not satisfied with the judgement of a lower court, he/she can move to a higher court to appeal against the judgement.

Acquit The court acquitted Mohan of all charges.
To Appeal: Tina is going to appeal against the judgement given by the lower court in domestic violence case.
Compensation The court awarded Deepaks widowed wife a compensation of l lakh.
Eviction The court has ordered the eviction of tenant who has not paid his rents for the last 10 years.
Violation Practising untouchability is a  violation of the Constitution of India.

Sunil, the bread-winner of his family, was killed in an accident. He left behind his wife and three daughters. His wife filed a case seeking compensation and a job to meet the family expenses. Since the car that hit Sunil belonged to the son of a local MLA, there was political interference in the case proceedings.
The case was transferred from one court to another. The case lingered on for more than 20 years. Sunil's wife and daughters worked as casual labourers to run the household. The wife borrowed money from the landlord to marry off her daughters. Finally 24 years later, the court awarded Sunil's wife a compensation oH lakh.
Justice delayed is justice denied.

The Right to Life conferred by Article 21 has far-reaching implications. It means more than just animal existence. That is only one aspect of the Right of Life.
An equally important aspect of the Right  Life is the Right to Livelihood because no person live without the means of living, which also means the means of livelihood. This is what the judges meant when they said that the Right to Livelihood was part of the Right to Life.

Before the 1980s, litigation in courts was costly and time-consuming affair. As a result of this, the poor could not afford going to courts and get justice.
The introduction of the mechanism of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by the Supreme Court in early 1980s gave increased access to justice. It allowed any individual or organisation to file a PIL in the High Court or the Supreme Court on behalf of those whose rights had been violated. The legal process was greatly simplified. Now even a letter or telegram addressed to the Supreme Court or the High Court could be treated as a PIL.So, the introduction of PIL was a significant step in ensuring access to justice for all.

1. Lower Court Convicted Laxman, his mother Shakuntala and his brother-in-law Subhash Chandra and sentenced all three of them to death.
2. High Court Acquitted Laxman, Shakuntala and Subhash Chandra.
3. Supreme Court Sentenced Laxman and Shakuntala for life, acquitted Subhash due to lack of evidence.

1. The appellate system of the Indian Judiciary is one through which an appeal is made in the higher court against the judgement of the lower court if the person is not satisfied with the verdict.
2. In the case 'State (Delhi Administration) Vs Laxma n Kumar and others', the three accused went to the High Court to appeal against the verdict of the Trial Court and later women's organisation appealed against the High Court decision in the Supreme Court through the Indian Federation of women lawyers.

Two reasons why an Independent judiciary is essential to democracy are as follows:
1. It provides impartial judgement which is integral to democracy.
2. It protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens.

No, an ordinary citizen does not stand a chance against a politician in this kind of judicial system. This is because the Judiciary does not enjoy the power to function independently, it works under pressure from the government and acts on their behalf.