Over 3.79 lakh cases are currently pending in courts across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, including the High Court.
This was revealed by Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Minister of State for Law and Justice, in response to a question in the Lok Sabha on December 6, 2024.
According to data from the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) as of November 30, 2024, 3,32,802 cases are pending in District and Subordinate Courts in Jammu Kashmir, while 1,456 cases remain unresolved in Ladakh.
The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is dealing with a backlog of 45,464 cases.
The Minister emphasized that the judiciary is solely responsible for the timely disposal of cases but stated that the government is committed to fostering an ecosystem that supports swift case resolution, as mandated by Article 21 of the Constitution.
Several measures have been introduced to address these delays.
The National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms, launched in 2011, aims to enhance accessibility, reduce delays, and improve accountability.
Upgrades to court infrastructure, strengthening of the subordinate judiciary, process re-engineering for faster case disposal, and judicial training are key components of this mission.
The e-Courts Mission Mode Project integrates technology into judicial administration. Phase I (2011–2015) focused on basic computerization, including hardware and internet connectivity.
Phase II (2015–2023) introduced ICT features for district courts and citizen-centric services, with Rs 18.98 crore utilized in Jammu Kashmir.
Phase III (2023–2027) aims to establish paperless courts, digitize records, and use AI for case analysis. Of the Rs 15.37 crore sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir in FY 2023–24, Rs 6.52 crore has been utilized, while funds released for FY 2024–25 remain unused.
The Minister also highlighted the performance of Fast Track Special Courts in Jammu and Kashmir, which have resolved 242 cases as of October 31, 2024.
These efforts, coordinated with the Supreme Court’s e-Committee and High Courts, aim to reduce delays and improve efficiency in judicial administration.