Respected Honorable Chief Justice,
Supreme Court Of India
I am writing to draw attention to the pressing issue of case backlogs in our judicial system, highlighted by the latest statistics from the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG). As reported, the High Courts across India are currently burdened with a total of 6,180,184 pending cases, comprising 4,425,335 civil cases and 1,754,849 criminal cases. The duration of these cases is particularly concerning, with significant numbers extending beyond five years:
- 1,495,806 cases are pending for 5 to 10 years,
- 1,113,005 cases for 10 to 20 years,
- 262,032 cases for 20 to 30 years,
- and 77,628 cases pending for more than 30 years.
Furthermore, the District and Taluka Courts report an overwhelming 44,575,498 pending cases, signaling a systemic issue that affects the very foundation of justice delivery in our nation.
The prolonged pendency not only diminishes public trust in the judiciary but also impacts the lives of millions waiting for justice. While the NJDG serves as an excellent tool for monitoring and managing case backlogs, providing crucial data for policymaking and judicial efficiency, it also starkly highlights the need for more proactive measures.
In light of this, I urge reconsideration of the traditional long summer breaks taken by the judiciary. While recognizing the importance of rest for mental and physical well-being, perhaps a more balanced approach could be adopted. Reducing vacation periods, introducing staggered breaks for different benches, or employing year-round court functioning with shifts could substantially aid in reducing the backlog.
Innovative solutions such as these, combined with ongoing efforts to increase judicial manpower and enhance infrastructural capabilities, could transform our judicial landscape into one that upholds the promise of timely justice for all.
Thank you for considering this critical matter. I look forward to your leadership in fostering a more responsive and efficient judiciary.
Respectfully,
Nitin Naresh
Editor
