Aurangabad: In an initiative aimed at making Bihar’s district judiciary more transparent, accessible and accountable, the Patna high court has introduced a comprehensive grievance redressal mechanism backed by a detailed SOP for the functioning of Vigilance Committees in all district courts on Monday.While Vigilance Committees have already been functioning in district courts, the high court has now put in place a uniform SOP to streamline the manner in which public grievances are received, examined and resolved.Under the new framework, complaints can be submitted through complaint boxes installed on court premises, e-mail, online platforms and other prescribed modes. The complaint boxes will be placed at prominent locations under CCTV surveillance to ensure accessibility and public confidence in the system.The SOP emphasises that the objective is not merely to receive complaints but to establish an effective grievance redressal system that inspires confidence among court users. It provides for regular scrutiny of complaints, prompt examination of issues and appropriate follow-up action, while maintaining complete confidentiality of complainants and proceedings.Each district Vigilance Committee, headed by the Principal District and Sessions Judge, will meet every month to review grievances and monitor action taken. The committee comprises judicial officers, senior govt law officers, court administrators, representatives of the Bar, a woman advocate, a distinguished citizen and young lawyers, ensuring wider institutional participation in the grievance redressal process.District courts have also been directed to submit monthly reports to the high court, enabling continuous monitoring of the mechanism’s effectiveness. The high court has clarified that complaints against judicial officers will continue to be dealt with separately under the existing dedicated vigilance complaint box system, while the new SOP primarily strengthens the grievance redressal process concerning administrative functioning and court staff.
