Himachal Pradesh High Court Records 89.99% Case Clearance Rate In 2025, Declares 12 Working Saturdays To Tackle Pendency

The High Court of Himachal Pradesh, under the leadership of the Chief Justice G.S Sandhawalia , has reported significant strides in judicial efficiency, technological reform, and litigant-centric measures during 2025. Despite functioning with a reduced judicial strength, the Court achieved a Case Clearance Rate (CCR) of 89.99% and introduced several structural and digital reforms aimed at expeditious disposal of cases, stated the press release.

High Court Pendency & Disposal: Nearly 90% Clearance Rate

As on January 1, 2025, the High Court had a pendency of 93,942 cases. During the calendar year 2025, 81,092 fresh cases were instituted, out of which 72,981 were disposed of, leaving a pendency of 1,02,053 cases at the end of the year.

The Court achieved a Case Clearance Rate of 89.99%, notwithstanding that it functioned with 12 Judges against a sanctioned strength of 17, including the Chief Justice.

Priority was accorded to cases involving, Convicts in jail, Sexual harassment and crimes against women, Juveniles and senior citizens and Matters where lower court proceedings had been stayed.

Such matters were treated as “Expedited Cases” to ensure timely adjudication.

12 Saturdays Notified as Working Days in 2026

In a notable administrative measure, the High Court has declared 12 Saturdays as working days during the calendar year 2026. On these days, only the oldest pending matters will be listed, with the objective of reducing long-standing pendency.

District Judiciary Achieves 106.23% Clearance Rate

As on January 1, 2025, total pendency stood at approximately 6,31,447 cases. During 2025, 8,02,478 new cases were instituted, while 8,52,488 cases were disposed of, reducing pendency to 5,81,437 cases.

The District Judiciary recorded a Case Clearance Rate of 106.23%, indicating disposal exceeded fresh institution.

“Disposal Norms” were formulated for Judicial Officers, with monthly and quarterly targets fixed. The progress is being monitored under a strict action plan in line with directions of the Supreme Court.

Filling of Vacancies & Establishing Of New Courts

As on December 31, 2025, 3 vacant posts of Additional District & Sessions Judges ,19 vacant posts of Civil Judges were filled through various modes.

Additionally, 4 new posts of Additional District & Sessions Judges and 5 posts of Civil Judges were created.

The State Government has been urged to prioritize creation of 3 additional courts of Additional District & Sessions Judges, 34 courts of Civil Judges in the first phase.

Judicial Court Complex, Sarahan (District Sirmaur)

The Chief Justice laid the foundation stone of the Judicial Court Complex at Sarahan, District Sirmaur, on March 4, 2025.

Judicial Court Complex, Arki (District Solan)

The Judicial Court Complex at Arki, District Solan, was inaugurated on May 27, 2025.

Residential Colony, Nalagarh (District Solan)

The Residential Colony for Judicial Officers at Nalagarh, District Solan, was inaugurated on July 12, 2025.

Three New ADJ Courts Made Functional

Three newly created Courts of Additional District & Sessions Judges at Nurpur, Amb, and Bilaspur have been made functional with necessary infrastructure. These courts were inaugurated on January 1 and January 7, 2026.

Transition Towards Paperless Ecosystem

As part of digital transformation initiatives, both the High Court and the District Judiciary are transitioning towards a paperless ecosystem. Digitisation of court records is underway in accordance with prescribed guidelines and timelines.

Mega Legal Literacy Campaigns Across the State

Under the supervision of the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (HPSLSA), District Legal Services Authorities conducted extensive legal literacy outreach during 2025.

A Mega Legal Literacy Camp was organised at G.P. Naya (Shillai) on June 8, 2025, on the theme: “Drug Abuse, Human Trafficking and Issues of Poverty & Underdevelopment”, attended by approximately 650 participants.

A Mega Legal Literacy Programme was held at Mandi on October 18, 2025, in the presence of the Hon'ble Chief Justice and presided over by Justice Surya Kant, then Executive Chairman, NALSA (now Chief Justice of India).

Around 14,835 persons attended various literacy camps conducted across districts and sub-divisions.

Ten Mega Camps were organised on themes such as “Drug Free Society – Resolution of Bharat”, “Save Environment Save Planet”, and “Disaster Victims Rehabilitation”.

The programmes witnessed large participation from disaster-affected persons, Gram Panchayat representatives, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, school students, and the general public.

Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund: Over ₹1.24 Crore Collected

The Chief Justice established the “Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund, 2025” to assist persons affected by natural calamities.

Total amount deposited: ₹1,24,73,741.44

Amount disbursed/withdrawn: ₹46,64,765

Out of this: ₹37,18,342 allocated to 11 District Legal Services Authorities

₹9,46,423 spent on purchase of track suits

3,094 relief kits distributed

Approximately 10,321 disaster-affected families/persons benefitted from the initiative.

Lok Adalats: Over 2.83 Lakh Cases Settled During 2025:

4 National Lok Adalats, 46 other Lok Adalats were organised across the State.

Out of 5,05,813 cases taken up, 2,83,932 cases were settled. The disposal rate during the 4th National Lok Adalat was 64.75%, the highest recorded so far.