The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, said many cases can be resolved without lengthy trials through mediation and settlements. He stressed that faster, time-bound justice and meaningful outcomes must replace endless court processes.
As courts across the country prepare to reopen after a short winter recess, the Indian judiciary is stepping into the new year with a renewed and practical focus — delivering justice faster, reducing long delays, and ensuring that courts work more closely with the needs of ordinary citizens.
With pendency continuing to remain one of the biggest challenges, the emphasis is now clearly shifting from lengthy procedures to timely and meaningful outcomes.
Speaking during a brief visit to Chandigarh, Justice Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India, outlined a clear roadmap for the year ahead.
His vision reflects a broader institutional change: prioritising resolution over routine trials, encouraging mediation, and using technology carefully as a supporting tool rather than a replacement for judicial thinking.
At the heart of the reform agenda is the growing concern over the sheer volume and nature of cases pending before courts. Addressing this, Justice Surya Kant said,
“The challenge is not just the number of pending cases, but the nature of cases that clog the system for years. My priority is to work towards a predictable timeline and early resolution of disputes.”
He underlined that delays are often caused by certain categories of disputes that remain unresolved for decades. According to him,
“We must identify categories of cases that are clogging the entire judicial system. Once that diagnosis is done, solutions become clearer.”
A key part of this strategy involves reducing the need for full-scale trials wherever possible. Justice Surya Kant openly supported alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, especially mediation.
He stated,
“Certainly. Every dispute does not require a full-fledged trial. Many matters can and should be resolved through mediation or other alternative mechanisms.”
Emphasising the long-term benefits of settlements, he added,
“The future of justice lies in negotiated settlements wherever possible. Mediation saves time, cost, and relationships.”
With courts increasingly relying on digital platforms, virtual hearings, and AI-based tools, the Chief Justice also addressed concerns around technology overtaking judicial discretion. Drawing a clear boundary, he said,
“Technology must remain a servant of justice, not its substitute. It should amplify human judgment, not replace it. We do not want technology to overpower judicial decision-making.”
The message was clear — while technology can improve efficiency, the final responsibility of delivering justice must remain with judges.
Justice Surya Kant repeatedly returned to the idea that courts exist primarily for the common citizen. Stressing accessibility and public trust, he remarked,
“The Supreme Court, and indeed the entire judiciary, is meant for the common man. Justice delivery cannot be abstract. It must work on the ground, for those who need it the most.”
His comments reflect an effort to reconnect the justice system with litigants who often feel overwhelmed by long delays and complex procedures.
There is also a deeper shift underway in judicial thinking, rooted in constitutional values and social realities. On this evolving approach, the Chief Justice said,
“Our jurisprudence must be rooted in our constitutional values and social realities. Judicial decision-making must respond to the society it serves.”
This indicates a move towards decisions that are not only legally sound but also socially relevant and humane.
Looking ahead, Justice Surya Kant defined success not in numbers, but in impact.
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He explained,
“Success would be fewer people waiting endlessly for justice and more disputes reaching meaningful closure. Justice cannot be an endless process. It must be a meaningful outcome.”
As the judiciary enters the year with these priorities, the direction is unmistakable. Courts are aiming for less unnecessary litigation and more effective resolution, smarter use of technology backed by strong human judgment, and a justice delivery system that respects both truth and time.
The shift may be gradual, but it reflects a firm commitment to rebuilding trust and ensuring that justice is not delayed beyond relevance for those who seek it.
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