The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has implemented an ambitious action plan to alleviate the backlog of longstanding cases within district courts. The strategy, sanctioned by High Court Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh, is set to be effective until September 30, 2024.
This plan is tailored to expedite the resolution of cases that have lingered for over five years, thereby aiming to diminish the burden of pending matters significantly. The overarching objective is the complete eradication of cases surpassing the five-year mark.
A detailed circular issued on December 5 delineates specific directives for civil judges and judicial magistrates regarding case disposals. The Principal District and Sessions judges are tasked with overseeing and ensuring the accomplishment of these prescribed targets. They are required to furnish monthly progress reports to the High Court, elucidating the implementation of the action plan.
Emphasizing efficiency and timely proceedings, the guidelines within the plan admonish against unnecessary adjournments. Additionally, trial court judges are directed to rigorously verify cases under stay orders from the High Court, ensuring no undue delays.
Moreover, provisions are in place to circumvent disruptions in case hearings due to judge transfers, resignations, or extended leaves. The circular mandates the redistribution of pending cases from affected courts to other competent courts, facilitating the continuity of trials without undue hindrances.
Interestingly, the performance evaluation of judicial officers will now incorporate their ability to meet the designated case disposal targets, outlined in their Annual Confidential Reports.
The action plan outlines specific categories of cases to be prioritized for disposal. These encompass a range of matters, from criminal cases involving undertrial prisoners and appeals pending for several years to cases under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and civil suits aging over five years.
Moreover, various specialized courts, including those overseeing cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Central Bureau of Investigation, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and National Investigation Agency, have been allocated tailored targets to hasten the resolution of long-pending cases.
Additionally, Motor Accident Claims Tribunals, family courts, and Juvenile Justice Boards have received distinct mandates to expedite case resolutions within specific timeframes.
The High Court's meticulous plan demonstrates a concerted effort to reinvigorate the judicial process, aiming to streamline proceedings and reduce the backlog of cases, ultimately ensuring timely justice delivery.
