In a candid speech on Wednesday, Supreme Court Justice Abhay S Oka expressed significant concerns regarding the overwhelming pendency of cases in Indian courts, questioning if the judiciary has truly met the common people’s expectations. Speaking at an event organized by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) marking 75 years of India’s Constitution, Justice Oka highlighted that over 4.50 crore cases remain unresolved in district courts nationwide.
Justice Oka shared his personal skepticism about the widely held belief that the common man has great faith in the judiciary. He emphasized the need for the legal community to acknowledge and rectify the system’s shortcomings to make any substantial improvements. “Unless our courts of law are able to render quality and expeditious justice, the pledge made under the Constitution to provide social and economic justice to the citizens can never be fulfilled,” he remarked.
The event, intended as a celebration, turned into a moment of introspection for those in the legal fraternity, as Justice Oka urged his colleagues to reassess whether the justice delivery system has indeed delivered. “With this kind of pendency, can anyone seriously claim that we have been able to fulfill the expectations of the common man?” he questioned, highlighting a growing disconnect between the judiciary and the populace.
Justice Oka called for urgent and drastic measures to address the backlog of cases, particularly focusing on the district courts, which he termed as the “courts of the common man.” He pointed out that while discussions often revolve around the Supreme Court and high courts, it is the district courts where the majority of the populace seeks justice.
During his speech, Justice Oka also reflected on the repeated assertions within the judiciary of having the public’s confidence, criticizing such self-congratulations. “We had no right to say that. This should be said by citizens, by litigants,” he stated.
The Justice also noted the critical feedback directed at the judiciary, suggesting it be used constructively to make necessary reforms. Furthermore, he addressed issues such as the rise in matrimonial disputes, delays in case disposals, prolonged bail denials, and the need for more effective legal aid and public prosecutors.
