Budget Needs to Offer a Vision to Reform India's Overburdened Justice System

Over 50 million court cases are pending, with many taking 15-20 years to resolve

- T.V. Mohandas Pai

As India celebrates over 75 years of independence, a significant challenge continues to hinder the progress of our democracy: the inability of the justice system to deliver timely justice.

The numbers are staggering—over 50 million cases are pending in courts across the country, with many taking 15-20 years to reach resolution. This delay impacts millions, including 250,000 undertrials languishing in jails despite Supreme Court guidelines on bail, and taxpayers burdened by ₹12.5 trillion in unresolved disputes. The need for reform is urgent. Delays and inefficiencies erode faith in the system, allowing corrupt individuals to escape accountability while ordinary citizens struggle for justice.

Addressing this crisis demands a comprehensive approach with targeted solutions and substantial investment. India's judiciary faces immense pressure due to a shortage of resources. With only 20 judges per million people, compared to the recommended 50 and the US's 100, the system struggles to keep up with the growing caseload. Moreover, the serious dearth of public prosecutors, forensic laboratories and trained investigators compounds delays.