‘Timely justice is judiciary’s foremost duty’

Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice, Dhiraj Singh Thakur,  underscored the judiciary’s duty to deliver timely justice, ensuring a fair and equitable legal system for all citizens.  Addressing the inaugural session of the South Zone II Regional Judicial Conference on “Court Dockets: Explosion and Exclusion,” he highlighted that swift justice is the cornerstone of a functioning judiciary.
The two-day conference, organized by the National Judicial Academy in collaboration with the High Court of Andhra Pradesh and the A.P. Judicial Academy, commenced on Saturday. Focusing on tackling the rising case backlog in Indian courts, the event brought together judicial officers, including Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice G. Narendar, along with district judges and legal experts.
Justice Thakur acknowledged the challenges hindering timely justice, such as procedural delays, administrative bottlenecks, and the sheer volume of pending cases. He assured attendees of the judiciary’s commitment to overcoming these challenges through innovative approaches and the strategic use of AI-powered technologies.
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Aniruddha Bosesaid that India faces an overwhelming backlog of over 45 crore cases, with 37 lakh new cases registered last year, despite courts resolving 38 lakh cases during the same period. Justice Bose emphasised the critical role of modern technology in streamlining judicial processes and enhancing efficiency.
Supreme Court Justice PS Narasimha highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms to address persistent delays in the judicial process. He cited concerning examples, such as an Aadhaar-related case filed in 2011 that is not expected to be resolved until 2024, and property disputes that have lingered in courts for decades.
Justice Narasimha also acknowledged the valuable contributions of legal professionals and the crucial role of the Judicial Academy in appointing qualified lawyers and fostering academic excellence.
The conference served as a vital platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas among judicial officers, legal professionals, and other stakeholders. Participants explored innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges facing the judiciary and pave the way for a more efficient and accessible justice system for all citizens.