In a decisive action to tackle the mounting backlog of family-related legal cases in Delhi, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has sanctioned the creation of 10 new family courts. This significant move, aimed at expediting the adjudication of cases pending for over a decade, will increase the total number of family courts in the national capital to 31, up from the current 21.
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This development follows a recommendation made by the full court back in 2019, highlighting the critical need for additional family courts in light of the extensive case backlog. The current scenario in Delhi’s family courts is daunting, with approximately 46,000 cases pending. The distribution of these cases varies, with the Principal Judge, Family Court, Saket, grappling with the lowest number of pending cases at 1,321, while the Family Court, Rohini, faces the highest at 3,654 cases.
An official statement shed light on the daily influx of cases and the operational challenges faced by the existing courts:
“According to the Family Court headquarters, Dwarka, there are about 150-200 cases on an average being registered with Family Courts on a daily basis and approximately 80% of the staff in these courts are working in deputation capacity from various other departments.”
The establishment of these additional courts is not just about increasing the number of venues for hearing cases. It also involves the creation of several new positions to ensure efficient functioning. This includes the appointment of 10 judges to preside over these courts, along with 71 other roles such as Reader, Steno/Sr. PA, Steno/PA, Ahlmad/JA, Assistant Ahlmad, Naib Nazir, Orderly, and Staff Car Driver.
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The decision by the Lieutenant Governor comes four years after the initial proposal, marking a significant stride in addressing the long-standing issue of delayed justice in family disputes. The expansion of the family court system in Delhi is a crucial step towards enhancing the judicial process, ensuring that cases are not just heard but resolved in a more timely and effective manner.
This initiative reflects a concerted effort by the administration to strengthen the judicial infrastructure in the capital, thereby providing much-needed relief to thousands of individuals and families awaiting the resolution of their legal disputes. The move is expected to significantly alleviate the burden on the existing courts and pave the way for a more responsive and efficient judicial system in dealing with family matters.
