The judiciary has established a media and communication unit at the Supreme Court and an enforcement unit at the dzongkhag court.
This was much-awaited, if not a major reform. Any reform from within should be appreciated and applauded.
The media and communication unit is expected to provide proper mechanism for the aggrieved public to lodge complaints against the institution and court officials.
In the past few years, the judiciary had been under constant criticism with many accusing of biasness, injustice and miscarriage of justice, both on social and mainstream media. Many are openly criticising the judiciary. Such practises put people’s faith and trust in the judiciary at stake.
Through the new reform, the judiciary is expected to assess allegations and take appropriate action if allegations are true. It will also hold people or media accountable for belittling and defaming the institution if the allegations are false.
This, however, should not be used to stop the public and the media from making constructive criticisms against the court in case of wrongdoing. When the court passes a wrong judgement, it has huge implications on litigants and their family members.
The reform, therefore, should vest power on the unit to bridge the communication gap between the judiciary and public by ensuring credible and responsible information dissemination by the media and online platforms. In doing so, it should provide information to journalist covering the judiciary.
Such reforms would also benefit the judiciary to enhance accountability and restore public confidence.
People go to courts to seek justice and courts have the responsibility to pass fair, impartial, swift and decisive judgement. Any allegations of injustice should be taken seriously. Judges should maintain the highest integrity and principle. Judges should be held accountable for the wrong judgements they make.
As we welcome the reform in the judiciary, there are high hopes that other public service providers would initiate similar reforms.
Citizens expect better public service. Citizen’s needs must be the core of every decision institutions and organisations take. Heads of organisations will come and go, but efficient system should cater to the needs of the public. No one is doing anyone a favour by being efficient. We are being paid to do so. It is our responsibility.
Lack of accountability is the main factor behind poor service delivery or lapses. Taking the recent security and procedural lapses at the Supreme Court, the judiciary and police must show the public how they fixed accountability.
