Caring for Those Who Uphold Justice
The ancient Indian scriptures say, “Dharmo Rakṣati Rakṣitaḥ”. Dharma (righteousness) protects those who protect it. In modern times, it is the judges and judiciary that ensure that Dharma is protected and justice delivered. It is essential to ensure the well-being of judicial officials. The “International Day for Judicial Well-being”, a UN observance on 25 July, focuses on the same. Several unique aspects of judicial work contribute to the pressures. Singapore, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands have demonstrated high judicial efficiency. India has one of the world’s largest judicial systems. Around 2.5 to 3 crore cases are disposed of each year in India. As legal systems become more complex and societal expectations continue to grow, attention to judicial well-being will become increasingly important.
Justice Begins With Well-Being.
United Nations
The ancient Indian scriptures say, “Dharmo Rakṣati Rakṣitaḥ”. Dharma (righteousness) protects those who protect it. In modern times, it is the judges and judiciary that ensure that Dharma is protected and justice delivered. Every day, judges make decisions that can change lives, resolve disputes, protect rights, and uphold the rule of law. Their work demands integrity, impartiality, deep concentration, and emotional resilience. It is essential to ensure the well-being of judicial officials. The “International Day for Judicial Well-being”, a UN observance on 25 July, focuses on the same. It seeks to promote awareness about the importance of supporting the health and well-being of members of the judiciary. The day was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the “Nauru Declaration” on Judicial Well-being on this day in 2024. This year it is the second year of observation.
Justice affects everyone. Whether resolving property disputes, protecting constitutional rights, addressing criminal offences, or safeguarding vulnerable citizens, judges play an indispensable role. Supporting judicial well-being ultimately benefits society.
UN statistics indicate that 92% of judges experience work-related stress. 97% believe judicial well-being deserves greater attention. 83% say their court system does not provide sufficient well-being support. Several unique aspects of judicial work contribute to the pressures: constant high-stakes decision-making, exposure to trauma, public scrutiny, and professional isolation. Unlike many professions, judges cannot easily discuss difficult cases with family or friends because of confidentiality and ethical obligations, denying the opportunity to cope with work-related stress.
Croatia has one of the highest judge-to-population ratios in Europe, nearly three times the European Union average. Having more judges does not automatically guarantee faster justice. Singapore, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands have demonstrated high judicial efficiency. Countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen face profound structural challenges.
India Has One of The World’s Largest Judicial Systems.
India has one of the world’s largest judicial systems. Around 2.5 to 3 crore cases are disposed of each year in India. India currently has 15–17 judges per million population. Going by the recommendation of the Law Commission of India, it should be 50 judges per million population.
The judiciary in India faces credibility challenges in some sections of public opinion. Still, it is important to characterise them accurately. The issue is not that the judicial system lacks legitimacy; rather, concerns centre on delays, accessibility, consistency, transparency, and accountability, while the judiciary continues to enjoy a significant degree of public trust compared with many other institutions.
A judiciary that is physically and mentally healthy is better positioned to deliver fair, timely, and reasoned decisions. Supporting judges through confidential mental health services, wellness programs, and modern court administration ultimately strengthens public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law.
As legal systems become more complex and societal expectations continue to grow, attention to judicial well-being will become increasingly important. The International Day for Judicial Well-being is not just symbolic—it is a call to action for courts worldwide to prioritise the health of judges.
Justice Is Best Served When Those Entrusted to Deliver It Are Supported with Dignity, Resilience, And Well-Being.
Toon: Reema
Log: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
