Over 2 lakh cases pending in J&K courts, says govt

Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 20

As many as 2,05,403 cases are pending in various courts of the state, of which 59,404 cases are pending in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court and 1,45,999 cases in the subordinate courts.

The state government admitted in the Legislative Assembly that pendency was a national phenomenon and efforts were on to tackle the problem.

Giving details of the pending cases in the state, the government said of the total 2,05,403 cases, 53,909 civil and 5,495 criminal cases are pending in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. Meanwhile, 49,251 civil and 96,748 criminal cases are pending in the subordinate courts.

It claimed that various initiatives and steps had and were being taken to minimise the pendency of cases. “Judicial infrastructure is being constantly and regularly upgraded in the state,” the government stated, adding: “Computerisation of courts is also a step in this direction.”

The High Court has also issued instructions for the speedy disposal of cases. “Creation of courts at different levels and holding of Lok Adalats etc is a step towards minimising the pendency cases.”

Regarding steps taken in this regard, the government stated, “The Union Government has released funds for 38 additional/special mobile magistrates along with staff established under the 13th Finance Commission after the award period was over on March 31, 2015, and same has been continued by the state government by taking these liabilities as charge on state exchequer from the date the Union Government funding has ceased for these courts,” it stated.

The government further mentioned that these steps would go a long way in ensuring speedy disposal and thereby lowering the pendency. Moreover, Lok Adalats are being held regularly to settle the disputes through mediation and reconciliation.

In the year 2016-17, in all, 239 Lok Adalats have been organised, in which 40,518 cases were settled and a compensation of Rs 25.70 crore has been disbursed among the victims or their survivors.

The government added that in the backdrop of the Dehi Adalats Act, 2013, 22 Dehi Adalats had been created in each district in the first instance. The government is contemplating to create more such adalats so that the purpose of enacting such laws is achieved.

It was further stated that such adalats were headed by Aadils, who are Munsif-level judicial officers.