In this episode, Valay Singh of the India Justice Report (IJR) delves into the critical state of justice capacity in India, highlighting key findings from the India Justice Reports from 2019 and 2022. Access to justice, a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of India, is as essential as health, education, and water for the country's social and economic development. The IJR reveals significant challenges within the Indian justice system, from an overwhelming backlog of pending cases to overcrowding in Indian prisons, where the majority of inmates are undertrials, and the systemic issues across legal, police, judiciary and prisons that hinder effective justice delivery.

References:
Approaches to Justice in India https://www.dakshindia.org/approaches-to-justice-in-india/
Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) https://bprd.nic.in/
India Justice Report https://indiajusticereport.org/
National Judicial Data Grid (District and Taluka Courts of India) https://njdg.ecourts.gov.in/njdgnew/index.php


CREDITS:

Host: Valay Singh 

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Sean D’mello

Sound Design & Mixing: Lakshman Parsuram

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome

In this episode, Valay Singh of the India Justice Report (IJR) delves into the critical state of justice capacity in India, highlighting key findings from the India Justice Reports from 2019 and 2022. Access to justice, a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of India, is as essential as health, education, and water for the country's social and economic development. The IJR reveals significant challenges within the Indian justice system, from an overwhelming backlog of pending cases to overcrowding in Indian prisons, where the majority of inmates are undertrials, and the systemic issues across legal, police, judiciary and prisons that hinder effective justice delivery.
References:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Approaches to Justice in India <a href="https://www.dakshindia.org/approaches-to-justice-in-india/">https://www.dakshindia.org/approaches-to-justice-in-india/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&amp;D) https://bprd.nic.in/</li>
<li aria-level="1">India Justice Report https://indiajusticereport.org/</li>
<li aria-level="1">National Judicial Data Grid (District and Taluka Courts of India) <a href="https://njdg.ecourts.gov.in/njdgnew/index.php">https://njdg.ecourts.gov.in/njdgnew/index.php</a></li>
</ul>
 CREDITS:
Host: Valay Singh 
This is a <a href="https://www.maedinindia.in/">Maed in India</a> production.
Producer: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-d-mello-33006a44/">Sean D’mello</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SeanDmello"> </a>
Sound Design &amp; Mixing: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-doiphode-a5a6b176/"> </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshman-parsuram-b7889a1b0/">Lakshman Parsuram</a>
Project Supervisor: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-fanthome-b175b4146/">Shaun Fanthome </a>

Welcome to the DAKSH podcast. DAKSH is a Bangalore-based non-profit dedicated to judicial reforms and access to justice in India. Through this series, we will critically examine India’s laws, judicial administration, the prison system, family law and other topics that we hope will help you understand our public institutions and your rights. Join us every Tuesday, as we discuss and decode this system.

DAKSH Podcast

The India Justice Report

In this episode, we explore the depiction of custodial violence in films with Deepanjana Pal. Deepanjana Pal is a journalist and author. She writes about culture and society. Her film writing has appeared in a range of publications and she was most recently the managing editor of the website Film Companion. 

Films about cops in India often sensationalise and normalise police brutality, possibly desensitising audiences to the suffering of real people. In this episode, we critically examined how these films reflect societal attitudes toward power, authority, and justice. We also discussed whether they contribute to meaningful discourse or merely exploit trauma for entertainment. 

References:
K Chandru, What The Sathankulam Custodial Murders Reveal

https://article-14.com/post/what-the-sathankulam-custodial-murders-reveal
Kalpana Nair, Five Films that Don’t Glamorise Police Violence https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-lists/jayaraj-bennix-5-films-that-dont-glamorise-police-violence-visaranai-vetrimaran-sooryavanshi-singham
Omkar Khandekar, Rethinking the angry young cop in Indian cinema https://lifestyle.livemint.com/how-to-lounge/movies-tv/rethinking-the-angry-young-cop-in-indian-cinema-111634476144273.html
Karthik Kumar, Sathankulam custodial deaths: Singam director Hari regrets making films glorifying police https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/sathankulam-custodial-deaths-singam-director-hari-regrets-making-films-glorifying-police/story-2NxchO4mslUFz2s68NkW4H.html
Rohit Shetty reacts to claims of glorifying police brutality with his films: ‘Darr hona zaruri hai, okay to get trolled'

https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rohit-shetty-reacts-to-claims-of-glorifying-police-brutality-with-his-films-101704964787324.html



CREDITS:

Host: Leah Verghese

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Sean D’mello

Sound Design & Mixing: Lakshman Parsuram

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome

In this episode, we explore the depiction of custodial violence in films with Deepanjana Pal. Deepanjana Pal is a journalist and author. She writes about culture and society. Her film writing has appeared in a range of publications and she was most recently the managing editor of the website Film Companion. 
Films about cops in India often sensationalise and normalise police brutality, possibly desensitising audiences to the suffering of real people. In this episode, we critically examined how these films reflect societal attitudes toward power, authority, and justice. We also discussed whether they contribute to meaningful discourse or merely exploit trauma for entertainment. 
References:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">K Chandru, What The Sathankulam Custodial Murders Reveal</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://article-14.com/post/what-the-sathankulam-custodial-murders-reveal">https://article-14.com/post/what-the-sathankulam-custodial-murders-reveal</a>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Kalpana Nair, Five Films that Don’t Glamorise Police Violence https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-lists/jayaraj-bennix-5-films-that-dont-glamorise-police-violence-visaranai-vetrimaran-sooryavanshi-singham</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lifestyle.livemint.com/author/omkar-khandekar">Omkar Khandekar</a>, Rethinking the angry young cop in Indian cinema https://lifestyle.livemint.com/how-to-lounge/movies-tv/rethinking-the-angry-young-cop-in-indian-cinema-111634476144273.html</li>
<li aria-level="1">Karthik Kumar, Sathankulam custodial deaths: Singam director Hari regrets making films glorifying police <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/sathankulam-custodial-deaths-singam-director-hari-regrets-making-films-glorifying-police/story-2NxchO4mslUFz2s68NkW4H.html">https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/sathankulam-custodial-deaths-singam-director-hari-regrets-making-films-glorifying-police/story-2NxchO4mslUFz2s68NkW4H.html</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Rohit Shetty reacts to claims of glorifying police brutality with his films: ‘Darr hona zaruri hai, okay to get trolled'</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rohit-shetty-reacts-to-claims-of-glorifying-police-brutality-with-his-films-101704964787324.html">https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rohit-shetty-reacts-to-claims-of-glorifying-police-brutality-with-his-films-101704964787324.html</a>
 
CREDITS:
Host: Leah Verghese
This is a <a href="https://www.maedinindia.in/">Maed in India</a> production.
Producer: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-d-mello-33006a44/">Sean D’mello</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SeanDmello"> </a>
Sound Design &amp; Mixing: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-doiphode-a5a6b176/"> </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshman-parsuram-b7889a1b0/">Lakshman Parsuram</a>
Project Supervisor: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-fanthome-b175b4146/">Shaun Fanthome</a>

Police Violence in Films

In this episode, Ninni Susan Thomas speaks with Ajay Shah about systemic challenges in the Indian legal system, particularly around case hearings, scheduling, and potential solutions. They question whether the focus on issues like pendency and the number of judges overshadows the correctness of decision-making. Emphasising a first principles perspective, the discussion stresses addressing root causes, rather than symptoms such as high case pendency and delays. Other key areas discussed include timely justice, case resolution predictability, and courts' accountability as service providers. Reducing judges' administrative burdens to improve adjudication efficiency was also highlighted. The conversation explored the potential of IT reforms and AI in judicial processes, advocating for efficiency while cautioning against superficial implementation.

References:
Evaluating courts from a Litigant’s Perspective: https://papers.xkdr.org/papers/2023Manivannanetal_evaluatingCourtsFromLitigantPerspectiveReport.pdf
Administrative workload management of courts: https://macrofinance.nipfp.org.in/PDF/icts_concept_note-2019.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybvwp9qhJqY





CREDITS:

Host: Ninni Susan Thomas

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Sean D’mello

Sound Design & Mixing: Vijay Doiphode

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome

In this episode, Ninni Susan Thomas speaks with Ajay Shah about systemic challenges in the Indian legal system, particularly around case hearings, scheduling, and potential solutions. They question whether the focus on issues like pendency and the number of judges overshadows the correctness of decision-making. Emphasising a first principles perspective, the discussion stresses addressing root causes, rather than symptoms such as high case pendency and delays. Other key areas discussed include timely justice, case resolution predictability, and courts' accountability as service providers. Reducing judges' administrative burdens to improve adjudication efficiency was also highlighted. The conversation explored the potential of IT reforms and AI in judicial processes, advocating for efficiency while cautioning against superficial implementation.
References:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Evaluating courts from a Litigant’s Perspective: <a href="https://papers.xkdr.org/papers/2023Manivannanetal_evaluatingCourtsFromLitigantPerspectiveReport.pdf">https://papers.xkdr.org/papers/2023Manivannanetal_evaluatingCourtsFromLitigantPerspectiveReport.pdf</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Administrative workload management of courts: <a href="https://macrofinance.nipfp.org.in/PDF/icts_concept_note-2019.pdf">https://macrofinance.nipfp.org.in/PDF/icts_concept_note-2019.pdf</a></li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybvwp9qhJqY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybvwp9qhJqY</a>
 
CREDITS:
Host: <a href="mailto:ninni@dakshindia.org">Ninni Susan Thomas</a> 
This is a <a href="https://www.maedinindia.in/">Maed in India</a> production.
Producer: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-d-mello-33006a44/">Sean D’mello</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SeanDmello"> </a>
Sound Design &amp; Mixing: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-doiphode-a5a6b176/">Vijay Doiphode</a>
Project Supervisor: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-fanthome-b175b4146/">Shaun Fanthome</a>

Case Scheduling and Institutional Reforms

In this episode, Ninni Susan Thomas discussed the controversial practice known as Bulldozer Justice in India. What drives the sudden demolitions of homes and businesses across various regions? How does this form of enforcement reflect on the rule of law in the country? Join us as we trace the origins of Bulldozer Justice, examining the role of state machinery in these aggressive actions. We’ll dive into the legal framework surrounding these demolitions, questioning their legality and the often dubious justifications provided. A pattern surrounding these demolitions and instances of where these have been carried out are discussed,  highlighting the communities most affected by these forceful measures. Through this episode, we aim to shed light on the connection between Bulldozer Justice and the broader Rule Of Law in India. Is this practice a necessary step for maintaining public order, or does it signify a troubling drift towards authoritarianism?

References:
Bulldozers as a symbol: https://time.com/6303571/how-bulldozers-became-a-symbol-of-anti-muslim-sentiment-in-india/
Bulldozers and Rule of Law: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm4uqipWEtA
Bulldozers as vehicles of injustice: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61837134
Ignorance of a pattern in demolitions by courts: https://indconlawphil.wordpress.com/2022/07/13/home-demolitions-and-george-orwells-supreme-court/

CREDITS:

Host: Ninni Susan Thomas

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Sean D’mello

Sound Mixing: Lakshman Parsuram

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome

In this episode, Ninni Susan Thomas discussed the controversial practice known as Bulldozer Justice in India. What drives the sudden demolitions of homes and businesses across various regions? How does this form of enforcement reflect on the rule of law in the country? Join us as we trace the origins of Bulldozer Justice, examining the role of state machinery in these aggressive actions. We’ll dive into the legal framework surrounding these demolitions, questioning their legality and the often dubious justifications provided. A pattern surrounding these demolitions and instances of where these have been carried out are discussed,  highlighting the communities most affected by these forceful measures. Through this episode, we aim to shed light on the connection between Bulldozer Justice and the broader Rule Of Law in India. Is this practice a necessary step for maintaining public order, or does it signify a troubling drift towards authoritarianism?
References:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Bulldozers as a symbol: <a href="https://time.com/6303571/how-bulldozers-became-a-symbol-of-anti-muslim-sentiment-in-india/">https://time.com/6303571/how-bulldozers-became-a-symbol-of-anti-muslim-sentiment-in-india/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Bulldozers and Rule of Law: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm4uqipWEtA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm4uqipWEtA</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Bulldozers as vehicles of injustice: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61837134">https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61837134</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Ignorance of a pattern in demolitions by courts: <a href="https://indconlawphil.wordpress.com/2022/07/13/home-demolitions-and-george-orwells-supreme-court/">https://indconlawphil.wordpress.com/2022/07/13/home-demolitions-and-george-orwells-supreme-court/</a></li>
</ol>
CREDITS:
Host: Ninni Susan Thomas
This is a <a href="https://www.maedinindia.in/">Maed in India</a> production.
Producer: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-d-mello-33006a44/">Sean D’mello</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SeanDmello"> </a>
Sound Mixing: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshman-parsuram-b7889a1b0/">Lakshman Parsuram</a>
Project Supervisor: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-fanthome-b175b4146/">Shaun Fanthome </a>

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