Two extra shifts can cut court backlog, says judge

AHMEDABAD - Supreme Court’s Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan has stressed the need for running courts in two extra shifts in addition to the normal court hours to reduce backlog of cases.

“The judiciary in Gujarat runs evening courts in various districts of the state for just this purpose,” he said Saturday night at a function here to mark the golden jubilee of the Gujarat High Court.

Apart from normal court hours, the judiciary should also run morning and evening courts to reduce pending cases and for prompt and effective disposal, said Justice Radhakrishnan, who headed the high court before his elevation to the apex court.

Speaking on “Bar - next decade”, Gujarat High Court Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya outlined his vision for computerization and introduction of an e-judiciary system that will help courts over the next decade to clear cases fast.

“It will be timely and efficient, ensuring prompt disposal of cases,” he added.

“With the help of internet, people will be able to see their case status, orders and judgments online which would save a lot of time,” he said.

A software will be introduced which will scrutinize cases as the registry does now. With the help of this software, research could be done on pending cases, reasons for frequent adjournment, and other statistical data, he said.

“Such steps will go a long way in restoring public faith in the judiciary’s ability to deliver timely justice,” he said.

The Gujarat High court, which was established May 1, 1960, started operations from a building meant for children’s hospital with five judges and 94 advocates. Today, it has 42 judges and about 1,100 regular practising advocates.

Former chief justice of India P.N. Bhagwati hoped the high court, which is a pioneer in public interest litigations, will do its best to ensure that the common man can enjoy his fundamental rights.

Chief Justice of Kolkatta High Court Mohit Shah, who considers the Gujarat High Court as his knowledge bank, said he was convinced the judicial institution would continue to deliver path-breaking judgments as it has done in all these years.

Advocate General Kamal Trivedi said that besides the education in a law school, junior advocates should be trained at the bar and practicing advocates should continue legal education for updating their knowledge in various areas of law.

–Indo-Asian News Agency