Judges get a timetable from the HC to follow

The mounting pendency of cases has prompted the Delhi High Court to direct all judges in the lower courts to fix a timeframe of three years for deciding trial of each case, reports HT Correspondent.

The mounting pendency of cases has prompted the Delhi High Court to direct all judges in the lower courts to fix a timeframe of three years for deciding trial of each case.

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Each officer must fix time-frame for each stage of trial (like completion of pleadings, framing of charges, recording of evidence) and must ensure adherence by all concerned, said the court.

“Endeavour shall be made to gradually reduce the average trial period of each case (civil and criminal) to 2/3 years,” the Delhi High Court has said, issuing a slew of directions to enhance the disposal rate.

The directive assumes importance as the official figure puts the arrear of cases at 22,829, which includes 1,766 murder cases in Sessions courts in the capital as on February 1, this year. A total of 43,024 civil cases are also pending.

Among the measures, the judicial officers have been asked to keep in mind that they have to decide on at least two murder cases each month.

With an aim to making the judges utilise the court's time in a proper manner, the High Court has said, “Each officer must exercise effective control over case list to ensure optimum utilisation of judicial time and resources.”