Supreme Court's Remarkable Case Disposal Surge in 2023 | 25 Dec 2023
Why in News?
In a notable development, the Supreme Court(SC) of India has disclosed a substantial increase in the disposal of cases during the year 2023, surpassing the number of cases registered during the same period.
What are the Factors that Contributed to the High Disposal of Cases?
- The SC disposed of 52,191 cases between January 1 and December 15, 2023, compared to 49,191 cases registered during the same period.
- The Integrated Case Management Information System (ICMIS), implemented in 2017, played a crucial role in achieving the highest disposal numbers.
- The Chief Justice of India streamlined the filing-to-listing timeframe, ensuring cases were listed within five days, compared to the previous 10-day requirement.
- Matters related to bail, habeas corpus, demolition, and anticipatory bail were processed within a day and promptly listed in courts, prioritizing the right to liberty.
- Special Benches were constituted, including those dealing with the death penalty.
What is Integrated Case Management Information System (ICMIS)?
- ICMIS is a next-generation hybrid database adopted by the SC. It integrates various information sources related to cases, such as case status, orders, judgments, appeals, etc.
- ICMIS enables litigants to access and retrieve information online through a user-friendly interface. It also provides real-time updates on the progress of cases.
- ICMIS helps reduce manipulation and delay in case filing and disposal. It also facilitates the online filing of cases and documents through e-filing portals.
What are the Other Initiatives Related to Reduce Pendency of Cases?
- e-Courts:
- The Government of India has initiated the e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project to computerize District and subordinate courts, enhancing access to justice through technology.
- Launched in 2007 as part of the National e-Governance Plan, it collaborates with the e-Committee Supreme Court of India and the Department of Justice.
- The project progressed in two phases, with Phase I from 2011-2015 and Phase II starting in 2015, focusing on the computerization of District and Subordinate courts.
- The Government of India has initiated the e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project to computerize District and subordinate courts, enhancing access to justice through technology.
- Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs):
- FTSCs were established to expedite trials for sexual offenses, especially those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), addressing delays in regular courts.
- Enacted through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act in 2018, operates under the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
- FTSCs were established to expedite trials for sexual offenses, especially those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), addressing delays in regular courts.
- Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court’s Efficiency (SUPACE):
- SUPACE, a tool designed for judges, functions as a fact and law collection system, providing relevant information for decision-making. While it doesn't make decisions itself, it processes facts for judges seeking input in decision-making.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (2021)
- Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
- A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither I nor 2
Ans: (c)