Zero Pendency Achieved by Assam’s Chirang District Court: A Rare Milestone in Indian Judiciary

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court of Chirang district in Assam has achieved an extraordinary milestone by clearing all its pending cases by the end of last year. This remarkable feat, rare in the Indian judicial system, stands out as a beacon of hope in a country where over five crore cases are still pending in various courts.

A Notable Achievement Amidst a Backlogged Judiciary

According to the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), more than 4.5 crore cases are pending in district and subordinate courts alone across the nation. This massive backlog often cripples the judicial system, leading to delays in justice. The Chirang CJM court’s achievement is therefore a significant departure from the well-known “tarikh pe tarikh” (date after date) syndrome that has long plagued India’s judiciary.

The Secret Behind Zero Pendency

The Chirang CJM court’s success lies in its systematic and efficient approach to case disposal. Key factors that contributed to this landmark achievement include:

1. Prioritization of Cases: The court categorized cases based on urgency and complexity to ensure timely resolution.
2. Use of Technology: Leveraging digital platforms and e-court systems streamlined case management and reduced procedural delays.
3. Proactive Court Management: Judges, court staff, and legal professionals worked collaboratively to expedite hearings and minimize adjournments.
4. Time-Bound Hearings: The court maintained a strict schedule, ensuring cases were resolved within a reasonable timeframe without unnecessary postponements.

Setting a National Example

The success of Chirang’s CJM court offers a model for other courts grappling with pendency issues. It highlights how a focused, disciplined, and technology-driven approach can transform the pace of justice delivery in India. With millions of cases pending across the country, such initiatives are a much-needed step toward restoring public confidence in the judicial system.

The Broader Context of Judicial Delays

India’s judicial system is notorious for delays, often resulting from a combination of factors such as a shortage of judges, procedural inefficiencies, and frequent adjournments. The “tarikh pe tarikh” culture, popularized in films and reflective of real-life struggles, symbolizes the frustration of citizens who are unable to get timely justice.

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