Justice delayed is justice denied, therefore unnecessary delay in judicial proceeding is a denial of justice. In this context, discuss how judicial backlogs can be reduced to ensure timely justice.

In India, around 30 million cases are pending in different courts across the country. A major chunk of these cases are pending in the subordinate judiciary which is the first stage of justice delivery. The states with huge backlogs are facing the problem of vacant posts, poor infrastructure.
How to reduce backlog

1. Shortage of judges is the major issue. Posts are vacant due to the tussle between judiciary and executive regarding appointment process. Vacant posts should be filled. Along with that ad-hoc judges should be appointed to clear the backlog.
2. Government is one of the largest litigants, this puts an extra burden on the already burdened judiciary. With new litigation policy, it is expected that litigation will be filed more with responsibility.
3. Also, judicial recruitment examinations for district judges need to be reformed. National District judge recruitment examination to raise the quality of district judges should be given due consideration.
4. Adequate financial resources should be allocated for the betterment of judicial infrastructure.
5. Along with this incremental measures like limiting adjournments, use of technology to speed up court proceeding should be emphasized.
6. The archaic laws should be repealed and fast track court should be provided adequate infrastructure to deliver judgment expeditiously.

For ordinary people, lower courts are the first stop for justice. Therefore the justice should be timely delivered otherwise When justice is delayed law fail to act as a deterrent.

Topics: GS-II: Various Issues Related to Executive Judiciary in India