India’s Judiciary Faces Overwhelming Backlog as Courts Struggle to Keep Up
The Allahabad High Court, one of India’s oldest and most esteemed judicial institutions, is currently facing a significant crisis with over a million cases pending. This backlog has left many individuals, including elderly citizens like 73-year-old Babu Ram Rajput, in a state of legal uncertainty for decades. The court’s struggles reflect a broader issue within India’s judicial system, characterized by a shortage of judges and an overwhelming influx of cases, resulting in crippling delays that affect countless lives in Uttar Pradesh.
Overwhelmed by Backlogs
The Allahabad High Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 160 judges, has never been fully staffed, leading to an overwhelming backlog of cases. With more than a million cases awaiting resolution, the court is one of the most overburdened in the country. Individuals like Babu Ram Rajput, who has been embroiled in a property dispute since 1992, exemplify the plight of many who find themselves trapped in a slow-moving legal system. Rajput’s case remains unresolved, and he expresses a deep concern about whether he will see a resolution in his lifetime. The court’s challenges are compounded by delays in police investigations, frequent adjournments, and inadequate infrastructure, which stretch the judicial system to its limits.
Judges at the Allahabad High Court are tasked with managing hundreds of cases daily, often exceeding 1,000. With only five working hours available, this translates to less than a minute per case, resulting in many cases not being heard at all. The situation is exacerbated by the prioritization of urgent matters, such as bail pleas and eviction stays, which push older cases further down the list. This has led to a “cut-grass approach,” where judges issue quick, standard orders rather than thoroughly addressing each case.
Impact on Justice
The backlog of cases has serious implications for justice in Uttar Pradesh. In April, the court ruled on a rape and murder case that had been pending for over 40 years, during which time four of the five convicted men had died. The court expressed regret for the delays, highlighting the urgent need for reform. Legal professionals have voiced concerns about the court’s paralysis due to the shortage of judges, prompting calls for more judicial appointments. Earlier this year, a group of lawyers petitioned for additional judges, emphasizing the need for immediate action to alleviate the backlog.
The Supreme Court of India has also taken note of the situation, labeling the unpredictability of case listings at the Allahabad High Court as “worrisome.” The lack of certainty regarding hearing dates places a heavy burden on individuals who often travel long distances to attend court sessions, only to find their cases postponed. For instance, Rajput travels from Kanpur, approximately 200 kilometers away, and frequently faces the frustration of having his case not heard due to other matters taking precedence.
Calls for Reform
Legal experts have long advocated for the establishment of additional benches of the Allahabad High Court in different cities to improve access and expedite hearings. Currently, there is only one additional bench in Lucknow, and a recommendation for another bench was made as far back as 1985 but has yet to be implemented. Earlier this year, the state government suggested setting up another bench, but the proposal was later withdrawn without explanation.
While the establishment of new benches could provide long-term relief, experts argue that immediate solutions, such as appointing more judges, are crucial. However, the process of judicial appointments is slow and complex, involving multiple levels of review and approval. This has resulted in a significant number of vacancies, with nearly half of the positions remaining unfilled despite the Supreme Court’s recommendation for appointments. Although some progress has been made with the addition of new judges, the backlog remains daunting, with each judge potentially facing over 7,000 pending cases.
Looking Ahead
The persistent backlog at the Allahabad High Court underscores the urgent need for comprehensive judicial reforms. Experts advocate for a uniform policy to streamline the hearing and disposal of cases, rather than relying on individual judges’ discretion. The situation calls for a concerted effort from both the state and federal governments to address the staffing shortages and improve the overall efficiency of the judicial system. As the court continues to grapple with its challenges, the hope remains that timely reforms will restore faith in the justice system for the millions affected by these delays.
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