Chief Justice Cites Growing Trend of Litigants Seeking Early Hearings

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant flagged a growing tendency among litigants to approach the Supreme Court requesting urgent hearings for matters pending in state high courts.

Speaking on Sunday at the platinum jubilee celebration of the Kerala High Court, Chief Justice Kant noted that the backlog in the Supreme Court is nearing one lakh cases while 25 high courts have 292 judicial vacancies.

The remarks highlight systemic delays in the judicial system where crores of litigants await resolution and access to timely justice depends heavily on local court efficiency.

“We are witnessing a growing tendency of litigants approaching the Supreme Court requesting directions for urgent listing or early hearing of matters pending before the High Courts,” said Chief Justice Surya Kant.

The Chief Justice emphasized that the Supreme Court respects the institutional autonomy of high courts and their authority to regulate their own rosters.

However, he questioned whether listing procedures can be made more transparent and predictable through the use of technology to prioritize urgent cases.

“Can urgent matters be identified more effectively? Can listing procedures be made more transparent and predictable? Can technology assist in prioritising cases where delay may cause irreversible prejudice?” asked Chief Justice Kant.

He also addressed the breadth of powers under Article 226 of the Constitution, noting that high courts possess wide authority to safeguard legal rights alongside fundamental rights.

The celebration marked 70 years since the inception of the Kerala High Court on November 1, 1956, and included reflections on pioneering women judges from the institution.

Chief Justice Kant stated that his inquiries were meant to foster collective responsibility rather than serve as institutional criticism.

“These are not questions of institutional criticism, but of collective responsibility,” said Chief Justice Kant.

The judiciary continues to face immense pressure as courts navigate massive pending caseloads across both national and state levels.