Reduce Pendency

Context: ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’ —sums up the plight of litigants for whom delay has been inordinately long and painful and loss in terms of time, effort and money are irreparable.

Reason behind Rising Judicial Pendency

• Delay in disposal of cases in a reasonable time frame: due to Covid-induced restrictions, shortfall of 30-odd judges and resumption of ‘physical’ operations.
• High litigation burden: As per National Judicial Grid Data- Punjab and Haryana High Court have pendency of more than 6.37 lakh cases, including over 2.6 lakh in the criminal category.
• Institutional shortcomings:
  • Violation of the Supreme Court’s direction (in 2015) that trial in cases against sitting and former lawmakers be conducted on a daily basis and concluded in one year from the date of framing of charges.
• Lapse or negligence of state machinery: had resulted in the filing of 50% litigation in courts across the country as per the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Conclusion: The disposal of cases in a reasonable time frame is must to reduce litigation burden and further prevent the miscarriage of justice delivery system.