All India Conference on Accountability and Transparency in Judicial System: A Landmark Initiative by the Allahabad High Court Advocates Association

(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

On April 26, 2025, the Allahabad High Court Advocates Association (HCBA) organized a significant event—the “All India Conference on Accountability and Transparency in the Judicial System.” Held at the North Central Zone Cultural Centre in Prayagraj, the conference aimed to address pressing issues concerning judicial accountability, transparency, and the erosion of public trust in the legal system.

Objectives of the Conference

The primary objectives of the conference were:​

Promote Judicial Accountability: To discuss mechanisms that ensure judges and judicial officers are held accountable for their actions.​

Enhance Transparency: To advocate for transparency in judicial appointments, proceedings, and decision-making processes.​

Safeguard Public Trust: To explore strategies to restore and maintain public confidence in the judiciary.​

Keynote Address by Anil Tiwari

The conference commenced with a keynote address by Mr. Anil Tiwari, the President of the HCBA. He emphasized the critical need for judicial reforms to address the growing concerns regarding accountability and transparency. Tiwari highlighted that the erosion of public trust in the judiciary could have detrimental effects on the democratic fabric of the nation.

The conference was attended by 10 High courts Advocate Association Presidents from across the country, Mr. Brijesh Trivedi Gujarat High Court Advocate Association, Mr. Yashwant Shenoy President Kerala High Court Bar Association Bihar High Court Advocate Association President Mr. Shailender Kumar Singh, Mrs. Reetu Kumar President Jharkhand High Court Advocate Association, Mr. Pawan Pathak President Gwalior High Court Advocate Association, Mr.L.M. Jagan Reddy President Telangana High Court Advocate Association,Mr.Dhanya Kumar Jain, President Jabalpur HC,Mr.R. D. Shahi, President Lucknow HC

Judicial Independence vs. Accountability: The august gathering discussed the balancing the autonomy of the judiciary with mechanisms to ensure accountability.​

Transparency in Judicial Appointments: Examining the current processes and proposing reforms to make appointments more transparent.

Public Access to Judicial Proceedings: It was also decided that it will be brought into the notice of the authorities to discussing ways to make court proceedings more accessible to the public, enhancing transparency.​

The conference concluded with the adoption of several resolutions, including:

Establishment of an Independent Oversight Body: To monitor and report on judicial conduct and decision-making processes.​

Implementation of Transparent Appointment Processes: To ensure that judicial appointments are based on merit and are free from political influence.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Mr. Anil Tiwari while talking to the media expressed his view that in coming days more such conferences will be organized to educate the public about their rights and the functioning of the judiciary.​

Significance of the Conference

This conference marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse about judicial reforms in India. By bringing together legal professionals from across the country, the HCBA underscored the collective commitment of the legal community to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and transparency.

The resolutions passed at the conference are expected to serve as a foundation for future advocacy efforts aimed at judicial reforms. The HCBA’s initiative reflects a proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the judiciary and signifies a step towards restoring public confidence in the legal system.​

Conclusion

The All-India Conference on Accountability and Transparency in the Judicial System organized by the Allahabad High Court Advocates Association was a landmark event that brought to the forefront critical issues affecting the judiciary. Through thoughtful discussions and the adoption of meaningful resolutions, the conference has set the stage for ongoing efforts to reform the judicial system in India, ensuring it remains a pillar of democracy and justice.