36 lakh Court cases filed by women are pending in the country

(Credits:Ghaziabad365)

New Delhi – According to the information given by the ‘National Judicial Data Grid’ there are 4.44 crores cases pending in various Courts in the country. Out of these, 8% are those filed by women. The precise number is 36,57,000. These include both civil and criminal matters. In 45% of the cases filed by women, the attorneys of one side or the other does not attend the hearing or the accused has got bail and is absconded. This is the reason for the delays in the cases. Beside this, in 7% cases the Court’s have stayed the cases.

Reason for pending Court cases

1. Delay in the Police filing a charge sheet and asking repeatedly for extension in the period for the investigation.

2. Filing the chargesheet but not presenting the papers.

3. Delay in fixing the accusation, because of postponement of hearing in the lower Courts even though the chargesheet is filed.

4. Inability of the Police being able to present the important witnesses in the Courts during the case.

5. The accused absconding on bail after the lower Courts gives a stay in the case.

6. Absenteeism of the Government and private advocates.

Court’s advice given from time to time

1. Police should be sensitised about women; so that they would then be able to complete the investigation and prosecuting their cases – Delhi High Court ( March 2013)

2. Complete investigation about the women’s cases should be completed in 2-3 months. And give a quick decision. – Supreme Court. (August 2013)

3. All Courts should be sensitive about dowry cases. – Supreme Court (7th October 2013)

4. It is the Courts duty to view seriously the crimes against women and give timely decisions. – Bombay High Court (October 2018)

5. Courts should hear the cases of crimes against women, and avoid giving dates after a long period. – Supreme Court (September 2019)

6. It is the Police and the Court’s duty to give the women, who have dared to come forward and complain, justice as quickly as possible. Guwahati High Court (August 2021)

Editorial Perspective

The Indian Judiciary is moving at a snail’s pace, this is not new and the Administration is aware of this as well. The question is who has the willingness to change this situation and when ?