Judicial Delays in India: Analyzing the Pendency Crisis and the Way Forward
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Judiciary, Supreme Court, High Courts, Subordinate Courts, Alternative Dispute Resolution - ADR mechanisms like Lok Adalat).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary; Issues with the functioning of the judiciary; Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections (access to justice).
Essay: Topics on Justice, Judiciary, Rule of Law.
Key Highlights from the News
"Justice delayed, is justice denied" – this proverb holds true as the pendency of cases continues to be a major crisis in the Indian judicial system.
Over 5 crore cases are pending in Indian courts, with 4.6 crore of them in district and subordinate courts.
There are several reasons for this delay: shortage of judges, lack of infrastructure, complex procedures, frequent adjournments, and absence of efficient case management.
21% of the sanctioned strength of judges are still vacant. India has only 15 judges per 10 lakh people. The 1987 Law Commission recommended 50 judges per 10 lakh people.
Criminal cases are disposed of faster compared to civil cases. Civil cases in district courts experience the longest delays.
The article proposes Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a major solution to this crisis.
National Lok Adalats have settled over 27.5 crore cases between 2021 and March 2025, demonstrating their potential success.
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