Haryana courts struggle with over 14 lakh pending cases

Haryana’s judiciary is overwhelmed with a staggering 14,30,151 pending cases, with over 70% of them unresolved for more than a year. The National Judicial Data Grid highlights key reasons for the backlog, including the non-availability of counsel, which accounts for the highest number of delays, and stay orders, which further strain the system.

Backlog across different age brackets

Period Number of cases %age

Less than one year: 4,13,516 cases (1,18,731 civil; 2,94,785 criminal) – 29%

One to three years: 5,25,147 cases (1,62,121 civil; 3,63,026 criminal) – 37%

Three to five years: 2,75,930 cases (83,503 civil; 1,92,427 criminal) – 19%

Five to ten years: 2,11,729 cases (70,856 civil; 1,40,873 criminal) – 15%

Over a decade: 3,829 cases (2,615 civil; 1,214 criminal) – 0.3%

Out of the total pending cases, 4,37,826 are civil and 9,92,325 are criminal matters. Among these, 72.88% of civil cases and 70.29% of criminal cases have been pending for over a year. Additionally, 72,844 pre-litigation and pre-trial matters remain unresolved, with 21.69% exceeding one year.

Age-wise data shows that 29% of cases are less than one-year old, while the majority (37%) fall in the one-to-three-year bracket. Cases pending for three to five years account for 19%, followed by 15% for those unresolved for five to 10 years. While cases over a decade old are fewer, totalling 3,829, they underscore systemic inefficiencies.

Gender-based data reveals 1,06,457 cases filed by women, constituting 7% of the total backlog. Similarly, 97,790 cases involving senior citizens remain pending, raising concerns about delays in priority matters.

The primary causes of delays paint a dire picture. The absence of counsel is the leading reason, stalling 2,72,588 cases, followed by stay orders (84,346) and witness-related delays (40,655). Additional factors include absconding accused, document unavailability, frequent appeals and lack of interest from parties.

Haryana’s 21 sessions divisions are directly affected by the massive backlog, resulting in long adjournments, fewer hearings and prolonged undertrial periods for prisoners. The data underscores the urgent need for structural reforms, including expediting cases with stay orders and improving document management systems to ensure timely case disposal.

“The delay in justice not only undermines fundamental rights but also erodes public trust in the judicial system,” said a senior advocate.