The Supreme Court has asked the government to treat a writ petition for setting up expert panels to boost India’s prospects in the Rule of Law Index.
What is the Rule of Law Index?
The Rule of Law Index is a quantitative assessment tool by the World Justice Project (WJP) designed to offer a detailed and comprehensive picture of the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law in practice.
The RLI covers 128 countries and measures countries’ rule of law performance across eight factors:
1. Constraints on Government Powers,
2. Absence of Corruption,
3. Open Government,
4. Fundamental Rights
5. Order and Security,
6. Regulatory Enforcement,
7. Civil Justice, and
8. Criminal Justice
Why is this in news?
World Justice Project ranked India in the 69th position in its Rule of Law Index, which is worst ranking India ever had.
What is World Justice Project?
The WJP is independent, multidisciplinary organization working to advance the rule of law worldwide.
What is Rule of Law definition according to World Justice Project?
The rule of law according to WJP is a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment that delivers:
1. Accountability
The government as well as private actors are accountable under the law
2. Just Laws
The laws are clear, publicized, and stable; are applied evenly; and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and contract, property, and human rights.
3. Open Government
The processes by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced are accessible, fair, and efficient.
4. Accessible Justice
Justice is delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are accessible, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.