THE NEWS FREEDOM
NEW DELHI, MARCH 2
Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, on Saturday reiterated his concerns regarding the backlog of cases in the judiciary, urging judges to abandon the “tarikh pe tarikh” (date after date) culture and curb the normalization of adjournments. Speaking at the All India District Judges Conference in Kachchh, Gujarat, CJI Chandrachud highlighted the perception among the public that adjournments have become an integral part of the judicial system, which he finds disheartening.
He emphasized the detrimental impact of the “adjournment culture,” where repeated delays in proceedings prolong litigants’ suffering and contribute to the accumulation of cases. CJI Chandrachud underscored the necessity for judges to remain mindful of the repercussions, as even a single adjournment can severely affect litigants, citing examples such as farmers embroiled in property disputes whose cases may span generations.
Furthermore, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the urgent need to address the backlog and pendency of cases, acknowledging the significant challenge they pose to the efficient administration of justice. He advocated for systemic reforms, procedural improvements, and the adoption of technological solutions to expedite case disposal and promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Expressing apprehension over the reluctance of district courts to address matters concerning personal liberty, CJI Chandrachud stressed the importance of upholding the principle that “bail is the rule, jail is the exception.” He called for a thorough reevaluation of this trend and urged district judges to provide insights into its prevalence nationwide.
Additionally, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the judiciary, applauding progress in gender representation but highlighting the need for further improvements. He underscored the necessity for judicial institutions to be inclusive and accommodating for all, citing the lack of facilities catering to the specific needs of female judges as an area requiring urgent attention.