The independence of the judiciary continued generally to be respected in India, but the judicial system remained overburdened and financially dependent on the executive.
At the beginning of 2000, protests by lawyers over proposed changes to the rules of practice turned violent, and the Government appointed a commission to investigate the extreme response of the police and security forces. Debate continued regarding the imbalance in representation at the higher courts, particularly with respect to lower castes and indigenous populations. Violations of human rights continued throughout the country, especially in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Bihar, and particularly against religious minorities, members of lower castes and women.
Attacks on Justice 2002 – India [full text, PDF]