Supreme Court Judges Unveil Plans For Faster Disposal Of Old Matters, Better Case Management

The judges of the Supreme Court have unveiled a series of measures aimed at expediting the disposal of long-pending cases, improving case management and streamlining court procedures, including a plan to prioritise the oldest pending matters after a special drive to clear over 9,000 cases.

The decisions were taken at a Full Court meeting held on July 15, where all the judges resolved to participate in the ongoing Samadhan Samaroh, an initiative that will culminate in a Special Lok Adalat on August 21, 22 and 23.

As part of the pendency reduction exercise, the Full Court resolved to take up around 100 bunch matters that are ready for final hearing. These matters will be listed before appropriate benches for out-of-turn disposal and are expected to result in the disposal of approximately 9,177 connected cases.

The judges further resolved that, after completion of this exercise, the Court would prioritise hearing the oldest pending cases (after issuance of notice) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

To improve case management, the Full Court also decided to simplify the Supreme Court's cause list and bring greater uniformity in the serial listing of matters in the daily cause list. A committee of judges will be constituted to examine the issue and submit recommendations.

The Full Court reiterated that counsel appearing in matters listed for final hearing would be required to indicate the time needed for their oral submissions, a measure intended to facilitate better scheduling and efficient use of court time.

In another decision aimed at improving access to justice, the judges resolved that parties appearing in person would be given the option to interact with the Registrar through virtual mode under Order IV Rule 1(c) of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013. Those who opt to appear physically will be permitted to do so, but the proceedings will neither be live-streamed nor video-recorded.

The resolutions reflect the Supreme Court's renewed focus on reducing pendency, ensuring faster disposal of old matters and introducing administrative reforms to make court functioning more efficient.