Efficient District Judiciary Key to Addressing Pendency and Backlog Challenges: Justice Sanjiv Khanna

Supreme Court Judge, Justice Sanjiv Khanna addressed the issue of pendency and backlog in the judiciary on Saturday, emphasizing that the efficient functioning of the district judiciary is crucial in addressing these challenges.

Speaking at the ‘National Conference of the District Judiciary,’ Justice Khanna noted that the image of the judiciary for the general public is largely shaped by their interactions with district court judges, as most citizens encounter these judges as parties or witnesses.

Justice Khanna presented data showing a significant improvement in disposal rates in district courts since 2018. He reported that in 2018, the percentage of civil cases disposed of, including previously pending cases, was 93.15%. By 2023, this rate had increased to 99.61%. Similarly, the disposal rate for criminal cases improved from 86.65% in 2018 to 95% in 2023.

He highlighted that in 2023, 38.24% of civil cases and 71.82% of criminal cases were resolved within one year of being instituted. Justice Khanna also mentioned that around 11 states had successfully reduced case backlogs by disposing of more cases than were newly filed in a year.

To tackle pendency, several measures have been implemented, including utilizing ‘Lok Adalats’ for traffic challans and establishing e-courts for petty offences. Justice Khanna advocated for judicial impact assessments as a means to evaluate and enhance judicial resources and infrastructure.

He emphasized that the true measure of the judiciary’s success lies not in the grandeur of courtrooms or the sophistication of technology but in its commitment to delivering justice with compassion, empathy, and fairness. Despite often being overshadowed by higher courts, Justice Khanna pointed out that district courts managed over ten times more cases than high courts in 2023.

The conference, which gathered approximately 800 judicial officers from across the country, was also attended by PM Modi, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General R. Venkataramani, Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal, and Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.

The two-day event, organized by the Supreme Court, will conclude with a valedictory address by President Droupadi Murmu on September 1. She will also unveil the Supreme Court’s flag and insignia, according to a statement issued by the apex court.

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