The new legislation, titled the Code of Civil Procedure (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024, requires all civil cases to be resolved within 24 months from the date of the first hearing.
Karnataka: The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka has created history by becoming the first state in India to pass a law specifically aimed at reducing the huge backlog of civil cases in courts.
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The new legislation, titled the Code of Civil Procedure (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024, requires all civil cases to be resolved within 24 months from the date of the first hearing.
This landmark amendment is expected to significantly speed up the delivery of justice in the state. The bill was passed by both Houses of the Karnataka Legislature during the winter session held in Belagavi in December 2023 and received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on May 19, 2024. The Karnataka government officially notified the law the following Monday.
Highlighting the urgent need for judicial reforms, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil stated during a press conference,
“Justice delayed is justice denied. There are around 10 lakh pending cases, mostly land disputes, before the subordinate courts. Some cases have been pending for over 20 years. This amendment will be a step towards judicial reforms.”
One of the key features of the new Act is the introduction of a compulsory two-month mediation period before a case proceeds to its first hearing. This is aimed at reducing unnecessary litigation and resolving disputes amicably outside courtrooms.
Patil added, “The law has made mediation compulsory for every civil dispute. This will help avoid unnecessary litigation. It has also set a time frame to collect written statements and evidence. The mediation should reach a logical conclusion at the end of two months. The case will come before the court only when the mediation has failed. This saves the time of the court and also saves time and money for the litigant. This is a revolutionary step as it focuses on dispute redressal through mediation.”
Under the provisions of the amended law, civil suits that do not seek any urgent interim relief will be referred to mediation. Notices will be issued to defendants accordingly. The state government is also empowered to authorise institutions under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to facilitate this mediation process.
The mediation must be completed within two months, and with mutual agreement, it may be extended by another month. If both parties reach a settlement, it will be submitted in writing to the court, which will then officially record the compromise.
The law also includes clear deadlines for court procedures. Defendants must file their written statements within 30 days of receiving the summons. If they fail to do so, the court may permit a delayed submission by charging a fee, but the written statement must be filed no later than 120 days from the service of the summons.
Additionally, the court must conduct the first case management hearing within four weeks after all pleadings are completed.
During this hearing, the court will decide on pending applications, direct the filing of documents, set or adjust timelines, grant adjournments, and issue necessary orders for efficient case management. Written arguments are required to be submitted seven days before oral arguments begin.
This major amendment to the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 aims to fix the long-standing issue of delayed justice in India. With over 10 lakh pending civil cases in Karnataka alone—some over two decades old—this law marks a crucial step toward streamlining the judicial process.
By making mediation mandatory, enforcing strict timelines, and improving courtroom efficiency, Karnataka has taken a bold and much-needed step to deliver timely justice to its citizens. This reform could inspire other states to adopt similar measures and help restore faith in the country’s judicial system.
