Today, On 19th January, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant dismissed a “publicity-seeking” plea demanding a judicial reforms committee and a 12-month deadline for all cases. He cautioned, “Don’t file petitions just to speak in front of cameramen outside the court premises.”
The Supreme Court of India described the 23-year delay in a dowry death trial as very disturbing and painful, ordering a thorough inquiry into why the Rajasthan High Court allowed the case to remain pending for over two decades. The Court called this prolonged litigation an “eye-opener for all the High Courts across the country.”
The Karnataka government, led by Siddaramaiah, has enacted a groundbreaking law to expedite the resolution of civil cases within 24 months. The Code of Civil Procedure (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024 mandates mediation before hearings, aiming to reduce litigation and enhance judicial efficiency. This reform addresses the backlog of 10 lakh cases, promoting timely justice.
Chief Justice B R Gavai will break tradition by holding court from May 26 to June 1, 2025, during the summer break. The Supreme Court has established 21 active benches, a significant increase from previous years. This initiative aims to enhance judicial efficiency and reduce case backlogs throughout the summer vacation.
The Central government approved the appointment of Alok Kumar Sinha, Sourendra Pandey, and Soni Shrivastava as judges of the Patna High Court, leaving two recommended advocates pending. The court currently has 34 judges instead of the sanctioned 53, leading to a significant shortage that affects case hearings and justice delivery.
On Tuesday(6th August),The Supreme Court of India has directed the Gujarat High Court to provide a detailed report on the pendency and management of civil suits. This order, issued by a Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, aims to address key issues affecting civil court proceedings in the state.
The government has proposed staggered vacations for judges, aiming to keep courts operational year-round for continuous case hearings. This initiative, based on a recommendation by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha, seeks to address the backlog of cases and improve the efficiency of the judicial system. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized the importance of this reform in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Today, 2nd July, Lawyers in New Delhi oppose a directive to postpone final orders during judicial vacations, sparking controversy. The advisory allegedly prohibits vacation judges from issuing final orders, leading to concerns over delays and a potential impact on judicial independence. This move has prompted objections from legal circles and highlighted the balance between administrative efficiency and timely justice.