Bombay High Court devises Action Plan 2024 for district court cases pending for 5 years or more
Last Updated on January 5, 2024 by News Desk
Issue:
In order to resolve issues that have been languishing for five years or more before district courts in Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territories of Dadra, Nagar & Haveli and Daman & Diu, the Bombay High Court on Thursday unveiled an action plan for 2024.
Facts of the Case:
In order to rapidly resolve matters that have been languishing for five years or more in district courts throughout Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territories of Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu, the Bombay High Court has released an extensive year-long action plan, which will take effect in January 2024. From 5 to 40 years old, the cases are divided into age-based categories.
Arguments Presented by Parties:
In addition to outlining particular dates for each type of cases, the High Court’s notice highlights the need of reducing the backlog. Main District Judges are directed to make sure that cases that have been pending for ten years or more are distributed fairly among their courts. The instruction for judicial personnel to produce reports on certain case types—like cases halted by the District/Sessions Court, cases with unclear dates or listed on holidays—as well as those reviewed by the High Court is a crucial component.
Reasoning of the Judgment:
The action plan is based on the requirement for prompt justice delivery and judicial efficiency. The High Court aims to expedite the settlement process by establishing deadlines and classifying cases. Long-pending cases are distributed in a way that promotes fair and quick resolution by preventing an excessive burden on certain courts. The participation of public prosecutors, police departments, and government officials is also meant to help cases that are prepared for ultimate resolution go forward more smoothly.
Accountability and progress tracking are ensured by incorporating an evaluation mechanism, including the ‘Urgent Case Option’ within the Case Information System (CIS), and using District Level Sub-committees to provide monthly reports.
Judgment:
The action plan, which summarizes the ruling of the Bombay High Court, is a proactive solution to the persistent problem of case backlog. The High Court strives to accelerate the settlement of matters that have been pending for long periods of time by classifying, establishing deadlines, and consulting important stakeholders. A comprehensive strategy is being employed to achieve the objective of expedited justice delivery, as evidenced by the focus on monitoring measures, timely reporting, and coordination with bar associations. The High Court’s resolve to address the backlog in cases across many judicial forums in Maharashtra and Union Territories is demonstrated by this action plan, which expands its jurisdiction to include family courts and “ex-cadre courts.”
Written By: Nikita Shankar @nikitaashankar
