Justice Surya Kant, who is set to become the next Chief Justice of India, has declared that reducing the massive backlog of cases in Indian courts will be his foremost priority. Speaking to journalists in New Delhi on Saturday, the CJI-designate expressed serious concern about approximately 90,000 cases pending before the Supreme Court alone.
The Backlog Challenge Across Indian Judiciary
Justice Kant outlined a two-pronged approach to tackle judicial arrears. "My first and foremost priority is arrears," he emphasized during his media interaction. The judge pointed out that the current Supreme Court backlog stands at 90,000 cases, while acknowledging similar challenges in High Courts and district judiciary across the nation.
The incoming Chief Justice explained that with the retirement of Justice Gavai on Sunday, the Supreme Court will have 33 judges, including himself. "Optimum utilization of that force is my first agenda," he stated, demonstrating his practical approach to the problem.
Strategic Solutions for Faster Justice
Justice Kant revealed his strategy to identify cases that are holding up thousands of matters in High Courts and district courts. "There are numerous cases kept in abeyance in lower courts because related questions of law or fact are pending before the Supreme Court," he noted.
The CJI-designate plans to immediately list these critical cases before appropriate benches, whether five-judge or larger configurations, to facilitate quicker resolutions. This approach aims to create a cascading effect of case disposal throughout the judicial hierarchy.
Addressing the trend of litigants approaching the Supreme Court directly, Justice Kant suggested that instead of directing them to High Courts, the system should encourage self-realization about the appropriate forum for their cases.
Mediation as a Game-Changer
Justice Kant identified mediation as a potentially transformative solution for long-term reduction in pending cases. "When I am speaking of arrears, I must also identify the solution. And one of the easiest solutions, which can be the game-changer... seems to be mediation," he asserted.
The judge highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent launch of the Community Mediation Training Module as evidence of growing support for mediation among all stakeholders. He particularly emphasized the need to "cultivate mediation culture in government and government institutions."
Balancing Technology and Tradition
On the controversial topic of Artificial Intelligence in judiciary, Justice Kant adopted a balanced perspective. While acknowledging the numerous advantages AI offers, he also recognized the "fear and apprehension about the extent to which it must be allowed to be infused in the system."
When questioned about whether disposed cases returning to courts contribute to pendency, the CJI-designate responded that uniform policies aren't always feasible, as "even decided cases are overruled after many years." He stressed that each case must be evaluated individually.
Addressing concerns about social media influence on judicial proceedings, Justice Kant firmly stated: "I don't think CJI should come under social media pressure. I have never felt any such kind of pressure... Then why, for god's sake, should I feel pressure when I become CJI?"
Justice Surya Kant's comprehensive approach to tackling judicial backlog combines strategic case management, promotion of alternative dispute resolution, and cautious technological adoption, signaling a transformative leadership style for India's highest judicial office.
