NEW DELHI: Improving court infrastructure and integration of technology in the justice delivery system with an outlay of more than Rs 9,800 crore since 2011 have had little impact on disposal of cases pending for several decades. More than 10,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court for over 10 years — including 558 pending for over 20 years, and 26 cases for 30 years. In the 25 high courts across the country, over 80,000 cases are pending for over three decades.In a written response to a question in Parliament last week, law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal put the onus of disposal of cases on the judiciary, which has not fixed a time frame for their disposal.He further said: “Timely disposal of cases in courts depends on several factors which, inter-alia, include availability of adequate number of judges and judicial officers, supporting court staff and physical infrastructure, complexity of facts involved, nature of evidence, cooperation of stakeholders viz bar, investigation agencies, witnesses, litigants and proper application of rules and procedures.”While the apex court has been prompt in appointing judges against vacancies, the situation in 25 high courts and subordinate courts is not the same. The HCs currently have 341 vacancies of judges against a sanctioned strength of 1,122. The subordinate courts have 7,311 vacancies against an approved strength of 30,868 judges.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe law minister blamed the respective HC collegiums for not following the timeline prescribed for initiating recommendation for appointments of judges for the HCs, the primary reason behind large vacancies. The HC collegium comprises the chief justice and two senior-most judges of the high court. For the SC, the recommendation for the appointment of judges is initiated by the Chief Justice of India.“Arrears Committees have been set up in all 25 high courts and the district courts to clear cases pending for more than five years. The govt has also enacted the New Criminal Laws 2023, Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Act, 2018, Commercial Courts (Amendment) Act, 2018, Specific Relief (Amendment) Act, 2018 with a view to reduce pendency,” Meghwal said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?123PhotostoriesThe return of Madras check: Why this South Indian textile is dominating fashion in 20267 signs you’re confusing loneliness with love (and how to tell the difference)Everyday things most men never think twice about could be quietly damaging sperm health, doctors warnWhich country invented biryani? The fascinating history behind the iconic dishSamantha Ruth Prabhu just gave maternity fashion the glow-up it was waiting forLung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease: Doctor explains how air pollution, genetics, and everyday exposures may quietly increase your risk7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an end123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up
NEW DELHI: Improving court infrastructure and integration of technology in the justice delivery system with an outlay of more than Rs 9,800 crore since 2011 have had little impact on disposal of cases pending for several decades. More than 10,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court for over 10 years — including 558 pending for over 20 years, and 26 cases for 30 years. In the 25 high courts across the country, over 80,000 cases are pending for over three decades.In a written response to a question in Parliament last week, law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal put the onus of disposal of cases on the judiciary, which has not fixed a time frame for their disposal.He further said: “Timely disposal of cases in courts depends on several factors which, inter-alia, include availability of adequate number of judges and judicial officers, supporting court staff and physical infrastructure, complexity of facts involved, nature of evidence, cooperation of stakeholders viz bar, investigation agencies, witnesses, litigants and proper application of rules and procedures.”While the apex court has been prompt in appointing judges against vacancies, the situation in 25 high courts and subordinate courts is not the same. The HCs currently have 341 vacancies of judges against a sanctioned strength of 1,122. The subordinate courts have 7,311 vacancies against an approved strength of 30,868 judges.
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The law minister blamed the respective HC collegiums for not following the timeline prescribed for initiating recommendation for appointments of judges for the HCs, the primary reason behind large vacancies. The HC collegium comprises the chief justice and two senior-most judges of the high court. For the SC, the recommendation for the appointment of judges is initiated by the Chief Justice of India.“Arrears Committees have been set up in all 25 high courts and the district courts to clear cases pending for more than five years. The govt has also enacted the New Criminal Laws 2023, Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Act, 2018, Commercial Courts (Amendment) Act, 2018, Specific Relief (Amendment) Act, 2018 with a view to reduce pendency,” Meghwal said.