BS EDIT: Justice delayed

By Business StandardPublished On Aug 5, 2026

A Bigger Bench

Parliament has increased the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength, but judicial delays run far deeper than the apex court alone

The Real Backlog

More than 50 million cases remain pending, with the overwhelming burden falling on high courts and subordinate courts

Vacancies Hurt Justice

Hundreds of judicial posts in high courts and thousands in district courts remain vacant, slowing case disposal across the system

Courts Alone Aren't Enough

Fast-track courts have expanded, but rising pendency shows that new courts cannot solve delays without broader systemic reforms

Reform the System

Better case management, modern infrastructure, digital courts and timely appointments can improve judicial efficiency and reduce delays

Justice Drives Growth

A faster justice system strengthens public trust, improves contract enforcement and enhances India's ease of doing business