Justice BV Nagarathna emphasizes the need to resolve long-pending cases before seeking fresh listings. The Supreme Court warns lawyers: efficiency comes first, clear old cases to get time for new ones.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!NEW DELHI: Justice BV Nagarathna, while presiding over direction matters in the Supreme Court, emphasized the urgent need for clearing old and long-pending cases before seeking time for fresh listings.
“If old cases pending on your shelves are disposed of and cleared, then only will you get new cases. You may get one minute, but first clear the old cases,”
Justice Nagarathna stated.
The Supreme Court has consistently stressed efficiency and timely justice as central pillars of the judicial process. By urging advocates and litigants to focus on resolving existing matters, Justice Nagarathna highlighted the court’s commitment to reducing the backlog and preventing unnecessary accumulation of pending cases.
She further noted:
“That’s why we are saying—get the old cases cleared first. Then you will get new cases.”
This directive reflects the Court’s broader approach to ensure that the legal system functions smoothly and efficiently, giving priority to pending matters before entertaining fresh petitions. Legal experts believe that such reminders are crucial in addressing delays and enhancing the overall efficacy of the judiciary.
India’s judicial system has long struggled with case backlogs, with millions of matters pending across various courts. Clearing old cases is vital for:
- Timely justice delivery – Ensuring that justice is not delayed.
- Reducing burden on courts – Freeing up judicial resources for new cases.
- Enhancing public trust – Strengthening confidence in the legal system.
Justice Nagarathna’s reminder serves as a crucial directive for legal practitioners to prioritize unresolved matters, helping streamline court proceedings and avoid unnecessary delays in justice delivery.
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