Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said technology should support and strengthen human judgment, not replace it in courts. He cautioned that digital reforms must remain inclusive and protect the poor, elderly, and digitally unfamiliar.
The Supreme Court has raised serious concern over the rising backlog of gangster and terror-linked cases in Delhi, urging urgent reforms and special courts for speedy trials. The Bench stressed that trials must finish within six months and said “the question of granting bail” should not arise if proceedings move on time.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai said, “We have built temples of justice with doors too narrow for the very people they were meant to serve,” while stressing the urgent need to tackle rising case pendency nationwide.
Amid a growing case backlog, the Supreme Court faces calls for a more selective approach, with nearly 90% of cases being disposed of at the admission stage.
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.
