Understanding the Phenomenon
- In an address highlighting delays in justice delivery, the President Droupadi Murmu used the term "Black Coat Syndrome" to describe the anxiety experienced by ordinary citizens in court settings.
- This term draws a parallel with "White Coat Hypertension," where individuals experience elevated blood pressure in medical settings due to anxiety.
Reasons for the Perception of "Black Coat Syndrome"
- High Pendency of Cases:
- Over 82,887 cases are pending in the Supreme Court alone (as of August 31, 2024, according to the National Judicial Data Grid).
- Delays in resolving serious crimes, such as rape cases, contribute to public perception of insensitivity within the judicial system.
- Frequent Adjournments: These cause significant mental and financial strain, particularly for individuals traveling from rural areas to courts.
- Issues with District Judiciary:
- Lack of female-friendly infrastructure (only 6.7% of court infrastructure at the district level is designed to be female-friendly).
- District-level courts play a crucial role in shaping public perception of the judiciary, making improvements at this level vital.
