Q8.An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including the judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.

Social audit is a citizen-centric process of reviewing official records and field-level activities to ensure transparency and public scrutiny in public service delivery.

Ensuring Performance, Accountability, and Ethical Conduct

• Performance: Monitors service delivery, efficiency, and resource utilization, identifying gaps for improvement.
• Accountability: Checks misuse of power, financial irregularities, ensures responsiveness, and holds officials responsible.
• Ethical Conduct: Fosters integrity, reduces corruption, ensures fairness, and builds public trust through transparency.

It is crucial for the judiciary to maintain public trust, address issues like delays, ensure judicial ethics, and overcome limitations of internal self-regulation mechanisms.

An empowered mechanism requires independence from the audited body, strong legal backing, active citizen participation, transparent findings, and effective follow-up action.

Such a robust social audit mechanism is indispensable for fostering good governance and strengthening democratic values.