Pending cases in SC, HCs

By Our Legal Correspondent

NEW DELHI, NOV. 24. A total of 21,567 cases are pending disposal in the Supreme Court as on November 1. Of this, 8,472 cases are pending for more than two years and 645 cases for more than 10 years.

According to an official release, regarding High Courts, the total pendency is 32.04 lakh cases; of them 18.86 lakh cases are pending for more than two years and around 5 lakh cases are pending more than 10 years.

In the district and subordinate courts, a total of 2.01 crore cases are pending; of them 1.93 crore are less than 10 years old and 8.19 lakh cases are more than 10 years old.

The reasons for pendency in various courts include increased institution of cases on account of awareness of the rights on the part of the citizens, enactment of numerous laws, inadequate judge strength, rise in population, radical change in the pattern of litigation and frequent adjournment of cases.

Explaining the steps taken for speedy disposal, the Government said in accordance with the recommendations of the 11th Finance Commission, Rs.502.90 crore was sanctioned for creation of 1,734 additional courts which would bring down substantially the pendency in the district and subordinate courts over the next five years.

Amendments were also made to the Civil Procedure Code (but so far not given effect because of objections by lawyers) Cr.P.C., increase in the number of posts of Judges and judicial officers, establishment of special courts and tribunals, appointment of special judicial and metropolitan magistrates and adoption of alternative modes of dispute resolution such as arbitration and conciliation. Lok Adalats have been given a statutory base as a supplementary forum for resolution of disputes, the release added.

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Section  : National
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