Senior Advocate and Member of Parliament Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi highlighted concerns over judicial pendency in India at a seminar on “Delivering Justice in Time: Global Practices and Indian Experiences”, jointly organised by O.P. Jindal Global University and National Law University Delhi.
Referring to the scale of backlog, he noted that India has approximately 4.7 to 5.5 crore pending cases. He observed that a significant portion of pendency is concentrated in a few High Courts and that criminal matters constitute a major share of pending cases.
Dr. Singhvi pointed to vacancies in the judiciary, stating that a substantial number of sanctioned posts in High Courts and the district judiciary remain unfilled. He emphasised the need for consistent policy implementation and suggested that appointing more judges would be a key step in addressing the issue.
He also suggested the use of data-driven and management-based approaches, including categorisation of cases, creation of multiple tracks for case disposal, and prioritisation of older cases.
On judicial reforms, Dr. Singhvi highlighted the need to consider the appointment of ad hoc judges and the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Referring to the Mediation Act, 2023, he emphasised the importance of mediation and Lok Adalats in reducing pendency.
He further noted concerns regarding arbitration, stating that it has, in some instances, become an extension of litigation rather than an alternative.
Addressing issues in the criminal justice system, he highlighted the high number of undertrial prisoners and suggested exploring technological measures such as monitored release systems in appropriate cases. He also pointed to shortages in personnel across the justice system.
Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, stated that the address underscored the need for institutional reforms, data-driven governance, and technological innovation to address judicial delays.