Neha BaruahThe Indian judiciary has achieved a historic milestone by resolving more cases than the number of pending ones. This accomplishment underscores the judiciary’s proactive approach to tackling the persistent issue of case backlog.
Case Resolution Highlights
The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) reported remarkable progress in case disposals:
- District Courts: Resolved over 13.4 million cases, leaving approximately 10.5 million pending.
- High Courts: Cleared over 1.2 million cases in 2024.
- Supreme Court: Addressed 36,969 cases in the same year.
The ratio of disposed-to-pending cases saw a significant improvement, dropping from 2.38 in 2023 to 0.79 in 2024, reflecting a more efficient judicial system.
Key Drivers of Efficiency
Several factors contributed to this achievement:
- Technology Integration: Digital tools like virtual hearings and e-filing have expedited case processing. For instance, the Supreme Court achieved a 109.8% disposal rate in January 2024.
- Streamlined Procedures: Legal practitioners have credited digitalisation for reducing delays and enhancing case management.
Innovative Court Practices
The judiciary’s embrace of modern technology has transformed its operations:
- E-filing and Virtual Hearings: These innovations have enabled remote legal representation and quicker case resolutions.
- Digitalisation: Courts now operate more efficiently, with reduced paperwork and faster processes.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
The growing popularity of out-of-court settlements has further eased the burden on courts:
- Arbitration and Mediation: Lok Adalats and the Mediation Act, 2023, have facilitated quicker resolutions, with mediation resolving up to 70% of referred disputes.
Government Support and Investment
The government has actively supported judicial reforms through initiatives like the eCourts scheme:
- Funding: ₹7,210 crore allocated for the third phase of the eCourts project (2023–2027).
- Goals: Establish digital courts, enhance cloud infrastructure, and digitise court records.
Understanding the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)
The NJDG is a cornerstone of India’s judicial reforms, offering comprehensive data on court cases:
- Purpose: Tracks case details, including age and location, for litigants and policymakers.
- Monitoring Tool: Helps identify delays, improve court performance, and support policy decisions.
Future of the Indian Judiciary
The judiciary’s continued focus on modernisation and efficiency signals a promising future. With sustained efforts in technology integration and alternative dispute resolution, India’s legal system is well-positioned to overcome challenges related to case pendency.
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