It is sad that our judicial system is in danger of becoming defunct and is kept in the limelight only by periodic sensationalist decisions, which then become mulch for the chatterati. 
The fundamental axiom of a justice system is its ability to deliver justice on time. To further ensure this, the system is vested with rights of self-policing.

 However, the track record of our judicial system shows one of escalating delays and failures. 

In such circumstances people are left to the mercies of de facto ruling elites. 

There is little point in bemoaning the size of the task or paucity of resources.

 The real failure is one of will to stick to the task of delivering justice, and this is epitomized by the mounting delays and costs. 
True, there are large gaps in the statutes - but as the Visakha guidelines have shown, there is room for constructive activism. It is time the Supreme Court started wielding the stick and clear the backlog, and deliver the promise of time-bound justice.