Indian Judiciary: Justice Without Breaks

(Judicial Quest News Network)

New Delhi 22 May: The Indian judicial system stands apart in its relentless dedication, devoid of the conventional luxury of holidays. While the concept of leisure exists in name, the reality is that Indian courts work tirelessly. From dawn to dusk, the judiciary addresses the grievances of the masses. Even during scheduled vacations, access to justice remains uninterrupted. Historical instances abound where litigants have sought the Hon’ble court’s intervention even at the stroke of midnight, reflecting the judiciary’s unwavering commitment.

In today’s digitalized world, lawyers and litigants can file cases from any corner of the globe at any time. Despite being a nation of 1.4 billion people, the Supreme Court of India has managed to keep its case pendency remarkably low, with only 80,846 cases pending. The Court’s efficiency is further highlighted by its recent accomplishments: last week alone, 1,712 cases were decided, and since January 2024, over 24,000 cases have been resolved. This exemplary performance extends to district courts and high courts across the country, which is equally diligent in delivering timely justice.

The Supreme Court and high courts maintain normal schedules through meticulously planned calendars. These institutions issue notifications regularly, ensuring that judges and registry staff are available around the clock on a rotational basis. It’s not uncommon to see cause lists issued for hearings on Saturdays and Sundays. There are numerous instances of judges being woken from their sleep to deliver justice, underscoring their round-the-clock availability.

Despite infrastructural challenges, such as the lack of basic amenities like toilets for lady judges and litigants, judges work beyond their scheduled court hours. They prepare for the next day’s hearings and write judgments from their residences, showcasing their dedication. It’s important to note that the government, being the highest litigant, often fails to adhere to the time frames prescribed by court rules, further complicating the judicial workload.

Public ignorance and unfounded criticism often overshadow the judiciary’s hard work, particularly regarding the misconception of judicial vacations. In reality, Hon’ble judges continue to perform extensive judicial duties even during these so-called holidays. The Indian judiciary is never truly on holiday; it operates 24×7, ensuring justice is always within reach for those who seek it.