Over 12 lakh cases pending in Odisha courts

Over 12 lakh cases are pending in different courts in Odisha, including 1.69 lakh cases in the state's high court, a minister said on Tuesday.

Replying to a question by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Dilip Ray, Law Minister Arun Sahu told the assembly that 12,33,492 cases were pending in the Orissa High Court and lower courts as in December 2015.

A total of 1,30,748 civil cases and 38,705 criminal cases are pending in the Orissa High Court while 2.63 lakh civil cases and over eight lakh criminal cases are pending in the lower courts, the minister added.

The state government has yet to gather information about the pending cases from the state in the Supreme Court.

In response to a question by Biju Janata Dal legislator Prafulla Samal, the law minister said the government was taking steps to fill up the 76 vacant posts of judges in different courts.

Sahu said the government was in the process of setting up courts and Lok Adalats to ensure speedy delivery of justice to people.

The Odisha government has planned to appoint one lawyer at Gram Panchayat level from July this year, Sahu said.

"They will sensitise the people about the welfare programmes of the government besides giving legal advice."