India launches initiative to reduce judicial backlogs

The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has launched a research-based initiative to address the mounting case pendency in India’s district and subordinate courts. The program will specifically target 100 judicial districts that account for more than half of the total litigation backlog in the country.

Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal chaired a meeting with vice-chancellors from 19 National Law Universities to discuss measures for reducing delays. Proposed strategies include the use of alternative dispute resolution, mediation-assisted settlements, plea bargaining, managing adjournments, and expanding summary trials.

National Law Universities have been urged to utilize researchers, students, and pro bono clubs to conduct ground-level studies in the selected districts. These studies aim to identify district-specific causes of delays and recommend practical solutions to create a more efficient and responsive justice delivery system.