Subordinate Judiciary: 4.69 Crore Cases Pending
Why in the news
A Supreme Court Constitution Bench tied lower-judiciary stagnation to outdated procedure and 4.69 crore pending district-court cases, saying overworked judges weaken delivery of justice.
Structure
- Basis: Articles 233-237; High Courts and State Governments share recruitment and administration.
- High Courts handle postings, promotions, discipline and inspections; States provide infrastructure, staff and judicial service exams.
| Tier | Handles |
|---|---|
| District and Sessions Courts | Serious civil and criminal trials |
| Senior Civil Judge / CJM | Mid-level cases |
| Junior Division Civil Judge / JMFC | Small suits, routine criminal cases |
- Entry: fresh law graduates join lower service as Civil Judges; advocates with 7+ years are appointed directly as District Judges.
Reforms
- National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms.
- ₹12,101 crore for 22,372 halls and 19,851 homes.
- e-Courts Phase III: 18,735 courts upgraded, AI tools, 1,814 e-Sewa Kendras.
- 865 Fast Track Courts and 725 POCSO-linked courts deal with 3.34 lakh cases.
- Changes to NI, Commercial Courts, Arbitration and Mediation laws.
Problems
- Clerical work takes 2 hours a day; new judges lack courtroom experience.
- Archaic CPC: multi-stage decrees, 106 Order XXI rules, compulsory pre-suit mediation.
- Vacancies, stenographer shortage, poor records and connectivity.
- About 70% of civil decrees take 3-7 years to execute.
Exam angle
- Articles 233-237; pendency 4.69 crore.