N Kotiswar Singh of the Supreme Court of India said India’s nearly 5 crore pending cases reflect the country’s “legal health” and highlight deep systemic challenges in the justice system. Speaking at a conference, he stressed the need to analyse the causes of pendency and push reforms, while also highlighting the growing role of arbitration in dispute resolution.
As the Supreme Court of India celebrates its 75th anniversary on January 28, 2025, addressing the growing case backlog calls for structural reforms beyond increasing bench strength. In 2024, Indian courts achieved a milestone by disposing of more cases than were pending, with district courts resolving over 13.4 million cases. High courts and the Supreme Court also made strides, aided by technological advancements like e-filing, virtual hearings, and ADR methods. Initiatives like the eCourts scheme have further streamlined judicial processes, fostering efficiency and accessibility in the legal system.
