India, the world's largest democracy, enshrines a comprehensive framework of human rights in its Constitution. Yet, the practical realisation of these rights remains deeply uneven, particularly for marginalised communities. This article examines the structural and institutional challenges impeding access to justice in India, including judicial pendency, inadequate legal aid, undertrial detention, and digital exclusion. Drawing on quantitative data from the National Crime Records Bureau, NALSA, and NHRC reports, the study presents an empirical assessment of the justice gap. It further identifies emerging opportunities in technological reforms, alternative dispute resolution, and progressive judicial interpretation that could transform India's justice ecosystem. The article concludes with evidence-based policy recommendations for closing the gap between constitutional promise and lived reality.
Human Rights, Access to Justice, Judicial Reform, Legal Aid, Article 21, NALSA, India.
Dr. Girish Ranjan Sahoo. Human Rights and Access to Justice in India: Challenges and Opportunities. Indian Journal of Modern Research and Reviews. 2026; 4(6):43-49
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