Explain Rules Ranjan Review in 500 words
The Rules Ranjan Review, also known as the Independent Review of Administrative Law, is a government-commissioned review in the United Kingdom that aims to examine the potential reforms needed in the judicial review process. The review is led by Lord Edward Faulks QC, who is tasked with evaluating the current system and making recommendations for improvement.
Judicial review is a legal process that allows individuals or organizations to challenge the lawfulness of decisions made by public bodies. It is an essential element of the UK's constitutional framework, ensuring that the government and other public bodies act within the law and do not abuse their powers. However, there have been concerns raised about the increasing number of judicial review applications and the potential for abuse of the process.
The Rules Ranjan Review seeks to address these concerns and ensure that the judicial review process remains fair, efficient, and accessible to all. One of the key areas of focus is the grounds on which a judicial review application can be made. The review will consider whether the current grounds are too broad or open to interpretation, leading to a high number of applications that may lack merit. It will also explore whether the current rules strike the right balance between allowing legitimate challenges and preventing abuse of the process.
Another aspect of the review is the procedural rules governing judicial review applications. This includes the time limits for bringing a claim, the requirements for obtaining permission to proceed with a claim, and the costs involved. The review will consider whether these rules need to be amended to ensure that the process is accessible to all, while also preventing frivolous or unmeritorious claims.
The review will also examine the role of the courts in the judicial review process. This includes the standard of review that the courts should apply when assessing the lawfulness of a decision, as well as the powers of the courts to grant remedies. The review will consider whether the current approach strikes the right balance between respecting the decision-making powers of public bodies and holding them accountable for their actions.
In addition to these specific areas, the Rules Ranjan Review will also consider broader issues relating to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the judicial review process. This includes the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation or arbitration, as an alternative to litigation. The review will also explore whether there is a need for specialist courts or tribunals to deal with certain types of judicial review claims, such as those involving immigration or planning decisions.
Overall, the Rules Ranjan Review aims to ensure that the judicial review process remains fit for purpose in the 21st century. It seeks to strike the right balance between allowing legitimate challenges to public decisions and preventing abuse of the process. By examining the current rules and procedures, as well as considering potential reforms, the review will make recommendations to ensure that the judicial review process remains fair, efficient, and accessible to all.