Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) emphasizes the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and the establishment of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. In the Indian context, SDG 16 assumes strategic importance in achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which seeks to transform India into a developed, democratic, and inclusive nation by the centenary of independence. While India has demonstrated significant progress in democratic governance, constitutionalism, and digital public service delivery, challenges persist in areas such as judicial efficiency, institutional accountability, corruption, and equitable access to justice, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. This study examines the current status of SDG 16 in India and evaluates the governance reforms and institutional strategies aligned with its targets. The research adopts a qualitative and descriptive methodology based on secondary data derived from government reports, policy documents, governance indices, and academic literature. Key initiatives such as Digital India, the e-Courts Mission Mode Project, police modernization programs, grievance redressal mechanisms, and transparency-driven digital platforms are analyzed to assess their effectiveness in strengthening institutional capacity and citizen participation. The findings indicate that digital governance reforms have enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accessibility of public institutions. However, structural challenges including judicial delays, uneven institutional capacity across states, and socio-economic inequalities continue to impede the comprehensive realization of SDG 16 objectives. The study concludes that strengthening institutions, improving access to justice, and promoting participatory governance are foundational to achieving Viksit Bharat 2047. Sustained policy commitment towards institutional reforms, legal modernization, and technology-driven accountability is essential for ensuring inclusive and sustainable development in India.