The Kerala High Court has demonstrated a marked improvement in judicial efficiency over the past year, disposing of a significant number of cases. However, this progress is set against the persistent challenge of a substantial backlog, underscoring the need for deeper systemic reforms within the state's judiciary.
Record Disposal Rates and Top Performers
In a notable achievement, the High Court in Kochi disposed of 1,09,239 cases in the recent period. This figure represents a 6% increase compared to the previous year, when 1,02,963 cases were cleared. Leading the effort was Justice P V Kunhikrishnan, who once again topped the charts by resolving an impressive 15,026 cases. He was followed closely by Justice C S Dias, who disposed of 8,713 cases, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas with 7,627 cases, and Justice C P Mohammed Nias, who cleared 5,936 cases.
The Sobering Reality of Pending Cases
Despite the encouraging disposal rates, the court continues to grapple with a daunting backlog. On the civil side, a staggering 2,07,081 cases remain pending. A concerning detail is that out of these, 1,47,963 cases have been awaiting resolution for more than a year. The situation in criminal cases is equally worrying, with 50,785 cases currently pending. Among these, 34,835 criminal cases have been languishing in the system for over a year.
Systemic Challenges and the Path Forward
While the Kerala High Court is recognized nationally for its improving disposal rates, legal experts warn that the persistence of over two lakh pending civil and criminal cases points to an urgent need for sustainable, long-term reforms. Key systemic issues that need addressing include chronic understaffing, procedural complexities, and the challenges associated with the influx of new e-filing procedures. Ensuring that recent gains in efficiency are not short-lived will depend on tackling these broader problems.
Currently, the court's working strength stands at 42 judges, following the assumption of office by Justice Nisha Banu on December 19. This is against a sanctioned strength of 47 judges. The bench will see changes in the coming years, with Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar due to retire on January 9, 2026, and Justice V G Arun retiring on January 24, 2026. Furthermore, Justice A Muhamed Mustaque is set to assume charge as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court shortly, following a recommendation for his elevation by the Supreme Court collegium.
