India's Judicial Backlog: The 70-Year Wait for Justice

India's high courts are grappling with a massive backlog, with nearly 62,000 cases pending for over 30 years. The situation, addressed by President Droupadi Murmu and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, highlights the urgent need for judicial reform to overcome the culture of adjournments and expedite pending cases.

India's judiciary is facing a critical challenge with nearly 62,000 cases in high courts lying unresolved for more than 30 years, some dating back to 1952. Official data reveals four cases pending since 1954 and nine since 1955.

During a recent national conference of district judiciary, President Droupadi Murmu underscored the need to change the 'culture of adjournments' to tackle the backlog. She emphasized that stakeholders must prioritize this issue as the long-standing pendency poses a significant challenge.

The Law Minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, also addressed the conference, advocating for an end to the perception that Indian courts perpetuate delays. He pointed out that many of the pending cases could be closed quickly if parties were present and active in progressing them. Meghwal suggested effective measures like 'ageing analysis' and 'clubbing of similar cases' to expedite resolutions.