Delhi, August 13, 2023: The Indian judiciary, entrusted with the monumental task of ensuring justice, currently grapples with a staggering backlog of over 5.2 crore (52 million) unresolved cases. These cases, half of which have remained dormant for approximately five years, highlight a significant challenge that the nation’s legal system faces. A deep dive into the data reveals the intricacies of this backlog, shedding light on various aspects of the Indian judicial landscape.
Judicial Chronicles: High Courts Under the Microscope
Leading the tally of pending cases is the Allahabad High Court, with over a million cases awaiting resolution. In stark contrast, the Sikkim High Court demonstrates efficiency with a mere 100 pending cases, signifying its ability to manage its caseload effectively.
The Delhi High Court stands out for its swift disposal rate, clearing approximately 90,000 cases annually. Conversely, Jammu & Kashmir lags behind, managing to dispose of only 5,000 cases each year.
Empowerment Through Litigation: Women and Senior Citizens
Women across states like Delhi and Madhya Pradesh have filed around 400,000 cases, reflecting their increasing engagement with the legal system. Delhi High Court emerges as a positive force, disposing of nearly 70% of these cases.
Senior citizens seeking justice have led to a surge in cases in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, collectively amounting to around 50,000. Maharashtra shines in resolving these cases promptly, with over 60% of them being cleared.
Embracing Digitalization
The shift towards digitalization is evident, with more than 80% of the cases filed in the last year in High Courts like Delhi and Bombay being processed through online platforms, showcasing the growing adoption of technology in legal processes.
Challenges of Case Aging and Specialized Categories
Around half of the cases in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have been pending for over five years, underscoring the depth of the backlog. High Courts in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh are grappling with over 5,000 cases related to child rights. While Kerala exhibits progress by clearing 60% of such cases, these numbers reflect the increasing emphasis on child welfare in litigation.
Diverse Categories: Crime, Commercial Conflicts, and More
Criminal cases dominate the legal landscape in states like Bihar and West Bengal, comprising over 200,000 cases each. Bihar’s clearance rate stands at 40%, while West Bengal demonstrates a slightly better rate of 55%.
Commercial disputes are frequent visitors to Delhi and Maharashtra High Courts, contributing to a total of 100,000 such cases. Both states boast steady resolution rates, disposing of over 60% of these cases.
Writ petitions take precedence in states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, constituting around 80,000 cases. Impressively, both states maintain a resolution rate of around 70%.
India on the Global Stage
India’s judicial landscape takes center stage on the global platform, boasting an overwhelming 50.2 million cases. However, it’s crucial to note that the judge-to-population ratio, standing at 21 per million, is comparable to other densely populated developing nations like Brazil and Indonesia. In contrast, China, with a similar population, grapples with just 3 million cases.
Evolving Dynamics and Technological Integration
The Indian Supreme Court showcases an unwavering commitment to justice, operating for 190 days a year, surpassing the engagement of its global counterparts. In the years between 2009 and 2020, the Indian Supreme Court’s decisions were cited a remarkable 510 times by apex courts in 43 countries, underscoring its global legal influence.
Additionally, the Indian judiciary’s seamless integration of technology, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlights its adaptability and resilience.
Towards a Promising Future
While the mounting backlog presents challenges, optimism prevails. Initiatives like the National Data Analytics Project (NDAP) are contributing to transparency and guiding the way forward. To transition into a developed nation, a judicial overhaul is imperative. By refining efficiency, embracing technology, and understanding litigant behaviors, India’s legal system can pave the way for a promising future while upholding the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
