Kiran Raj

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has launched an initiative aimed at addressing the increasing backlog of cases in Indian courts, including the possibility of introducing evening courts. The Supreme Court is set to host a high-level conference on February 1, bringing together Chief Justices from all High Courts, senior judges, and representatives from the district judiciary to discuss judicial reforms, technology adoption, and procedural efficiency.

With 82,445 cases pending in the Supreme Court alone and millions more in lower courts, the conference will focus on practical solutions to expedite case resolution. Key discussions will include the feasibility of evening courts, expanding digital court systems, strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and addressing judicial workforce challenges.

The initiative comes as the judiciary faces mounting pressure to clear pending cases, with stakeholders calling for urgent reforms. The Supreme Court’s conference is expected to serve as a crucial step toward improving the efficiency of India’s judicial system.

The conference will feature four sessions, each addressing critical areas impacting judicial efficiency. Chief Justice Khanna, along with Supreme Court Justices Bhushan R. Gavai and Surya Kant, has structured the agenda to focus on systemic improvements.

The first session, chaired by Chief Justice Khanna, will assess the National Court Management System (NCMS) Committee’s 2024 action plan. Discussions will focus on identifying key challenges to case disposal, strategies for expediting case resolutions, and the feasibility of evening courts to manage increased caseloads. The session will also explore enhancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to reduce litigation burdens.

The second session, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, will discuss the integration of technology into court processes. The discussion will include expanding the use of digital court software, e-filing systems, virtual courts, and video conferencing capabilities to streamline judicial proceedings.

The third session, chaired by Justice Surya Kant, will address human resource challenges in the judiciary. This includes ensuring the timely and institutionalized recruitment of judicial officers and court staff. Additionally, the session will examine the need for a permanent IT and Data Cadre in High Courts and lower courts to enhance administrative efficiency.

An additional session, also led by Chief Justice Khanna, will focus on the professional development of lawyers. The session will highlight the importance of regular training programs and propose a standardized curriculum for judicial training across states to ensure uniformity in legal education and practice.

"The pendency of cases has reached a critical stage. This conference aims to provide actionable solutions that will help in clearing judicial backlogs and improving overall efficiency," a senior Supreme Court official stated.

Discussions on evening courts are expected to be a major highlight of the conference. The concept has been implemented in limited capacities in some states but has yet to be institutionalized at a national level.

The integration of technology in courtrooms has also been a focus in recent years. Digital courts, virtual hearings, and e-filing have already been introduced, but gaps remain in ensuring their widespread and effective implementation.

Legal experts have welcomed the Supreme Court’s move, noting that structural reforms in case management and technology adoption could significantly reduce delays in the judicial system. The proposed expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including mediation and arbitration, is also expected to be a key area of discussion.

• The conference will be attended by Chief Justices of all High Courts, one senior judge from each High Court, and two senior judges from the district judiciary.

• The feasibility of evening courts as a means of reducing case pendency will be explored.

• A review of the National Court Management System (NCMS) Committee’s 2024 action plan will be conducted.

• The integration of technology in judicial processes, including virtual courts, e-filing, and digital case management, will be discussed.

• Proposals for institutionalizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms will be reviewed.

• Strategies for strengthening judicial infrastructure, including timely recruitment and professional development of judges and lawyers, will be formulated.

The conference will conclude with a set of recommendations aimed at streamlining judicial procedures, improving case disposal rates, and enhancing access to justice.

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