Backlog and pendency of cases in courts is a major problem affecting dispensation of timely justice. The pendency in courts is not declining because filing of cases is either equal or more than the disposal. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of Law & Justice, said that since shortage of judges is one of the reasons affecting disposal, Government has decided in May, 2012 that number of judges in the subordinate judiciary needs to be doubled in five years. This decision has been endorsed by the judiciary and the Chief Justice of India has written to the Chief Justices of High Courts in February, 2013 to take it up with the State Governments so that the annual outlay by States on subordinate judiciary is increased.
Lately, the Conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts held on 07th April, 2013, has also resolved that in order to improve the judge population ratio, State Governments in consultation with the Chief Justices of respective High Courts will take requisite steps for creation of new posts of judicial officers at all levels with support staff and requisite infrastructure. Dr. Ashwani Kumar informed the House that the Central Government on its part has committed to continue financial support to States for infrastructure and computerization of subordinate courts.
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