SRINAGAR: Chief Justice Arun Palli of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday announced a Comprehensive Action Plan aimed at clearing long-pending cases and enhancing judicial efficiency across the Union Territories.
The initiative, which enters Phase IV and V after the completion of earlier stages, seeks to tackle case pendency through a combination of digital reforms, special sittings, and improved coordination between the judiciary, Bar, and prosecution departments.
Unveiling the strategy, Justice Palli underlined that delayed justice undermines public confidence in the system. “Justice delayed is justice denied, and this Action Plan reflects the unwavering commitment to timely and accessible justice for all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” he said.
Phase IV, running from July to December 2025, will focus on identifying and prioritising cases older than a decade, particularly those involving senior citizens, women, and vulnerable groups. Other measures include expanding evening and weekend courts, strengthening case management systems through digital dashboards, and holding monthly performance reviews.
Phase V, scheduled from January to June 2026, aims to consolidate earlier gains with pilot paperless courts, wider use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and Lok Adalats, and capacity-building programmes for judicial officers and court staff.
The Arrears Committee of the High Court will oversee implementation, with district and sessions judges required to submit monthly progress reports. Evaluation will be based on measurable indicators such as disposal rates, pendency reduction, and adherence to timelines.
The move is expected to deepen earlier interventions and bolster efforts to deliver timely justice to citizens, a long-standing demand amid rising concerns over case backlogs in the region.
