BS EDIT: Judicious Reforms

By Business StandardPublished On May 15, 2026

The Growing Burden

India faces 55 million pending cases. Judge shortages are serious, but weak infrastructure worsens delays

More Than Judges

Courts lack not only judges, but also staff, technology, and adequate working spaces

Struggling Lower Courts

Lower courts handle most pending cases, yet many still lack basic digital and public facilities

Tribunals in Poor Shape

Several tribunals function from temporary and cramped premises despite being designed to speed up justice

The Limits of Digitisation

E-courts alone cannot solve inefficiency. Modernisation needs reliable systems and proper maintenance

Funding and Oversight

Poor spending and weak monitoring continue to undermine judicial infrastructure across states

A Shared Responsibility

Real reform will require cooperation between the judiciary and the government to improve outcomes