Rajdeep Sardesai's critique of the judiciary raises questions about elitism in the judicial system. He compares two cases and shows that elites receive special privileges.

Arnab Goswami: Arrested in 2020 for an abetment-to-suicide case, he got bail in days from a Supreme Court vacation bench led by then-Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. His media prominence seemed to grease the wheels.

Siddique Kappan: Arrested in 2020 under UAPA while reporting on the Hathras rape case, he was stuck in jail until 2023 despite eventual bail. Sardesai hints that Kappan’s lower profile and possibly his religious identity slowed things.


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**Vision of Mr. Ambedkar**

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, frequently emphasized the need for equality before the law.

> “If the judiciary is to be an effective instrument for the protection of the rights of the people, it must be accessible to all, not just those with wealth or status.”
(Constituent Assembly Debates, Vol. VII, Nov 1948)


**The Reality Today**

With over 35 million pending cases, costly litigation, and allegations of corruption or nepotism, the system has become inaccessible to the poor. 

High-profile cases like Goswami’s quick bail versus Kappan’s prolonged detention raise questions on the judiciary.



Has the judiciary's focus shifted toward favoring the elite?

Is India’s Judiciary only for Elites?