As per press reports, there are almost more than three crore cases pending in Indian courts. Also, as per recent reports, some of the oldest cases, pending in the lower courts of Delhi, are from 1960 to 1968. It is time that a time-limit is fixed for courts to decide the cases as justice delayed is justice denied. There is a law of limitation for most acts in day-to-day life; why not for courts to decide the cases?
If parties do not appear for more than three continuous dates, cases should be decided ex parte and not more than three adjournments should be allowed for any case. Alternatively, many litigants, frustrated by the prolonged litigation, prefer to settle their cases. In such cases and even otherwise, the courts should proactively encourage them to settle their disputes without staying the full course of the case.
This approach can reduce the number of pending civil cases drastically and the courts’ burden can be lightened to a great extent.
Mahesh Kumar, New Delhi
