On 22nd and 23rd April, 2016, the Chief Justices’ Conference, 2016 was held and extensive resolutions were made, mainly targeting the issue relating to lack of infrastructure in subordinate courts and pendency of cases. Some of the key resolutions are as follows:
- Suitable five year and annual plans to be made to identify the infrastructural needs and timely completion of pending construction projects to be ensured. Committees to be established to monitor the projects.
- Considering the pendency of cases, the Chief Justices will actively have regard to the provisions of Article 224A of the Constitution as a source for enhancing the strength of Judges to deal with the backlog of cases for a period of two years or the age of sixty-five years, whichever is later until a five plus zero pendency is achieved.
- The Chief Justices may consider the restructuring of the Scheme of morning, evening and holiday courts by utilizing the services of retired judicial officers as well and ensure, where feasible, the utilisation of these courts for the timely disposal of cases relating to petty offences, such as traffic cases and legal aid cases.
- Disposal of cases pending for over ten years in relation to under-trials shall be taken up on a mission-mode basis and top priority shall be assigned to cases pending for over three years.
- Chief Justices should ensure that the Selection and Appointment Committees in the High Courts, periodically monitor the process of filling up of vacancies in the District Judiciary.
- Data available on the National Judicial Data Grid shall be utilized to monitor the cases of under-trials, for generating monthly reports and to progressively reduce the pendency of oldest cases.
- Cases pertaining to women, marginalized segments, senior citizens and differently-abled to be disposed off on priority basis.
- In order to improve the quality of legal education, in States where there is no National Law University, the High Courts should actively take up the setting up of such a law school with the State Governments.
To read the full text of the resolution, click CJConference
Cases related to employment also need to be disposed off expeditiously as the income from employment directly affect the needs of the family. The indirect effect of loss of income is very bad on a family as a whole as well as individuals.