LI Network
Published on: 15 August 2023 at 23:00 IST
During an event commemorating India’s 77th Independence Day, Chief Justice PB Varale of the Karnataka High Court expressed deep concern regarding the overwhelming backlog of legal cases in the state. He stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts to address this issue and ensure swift justice for all.
Chief Justice Varale noted that the situation was alarming, as there are currently over 2.7 lakh cases pending across the three benches of the Karnataka High Court. Further exacerbating the issue, he revealed that 2,28,079 civil cases and 43,962 criminal cases are pending as of August 8, 2023.
In his address, Chief Justice Varale highlighted the potential of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms to alleviate the case backlog. These mechanisms can play a pivotal role in reducing the burden on the courts and facilitating better access to justice for all citizens.
The Chief Justice emphasized the indispensable role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity of the Constitution. He asserted that justice should not be a privilege confined to a few but a fundamental right accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Underscoring the importance of judicial independence, Chief Justice Varale stressed that the judiciary must function impartially and free from external pressures. He assured that the judiciary in Karnataka remains committed to maintaining its independence and protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Moreover, Chief Justice Varale acknowledged the significance of integrating technology into the judicial process to enhance efficiency and transparency. While embracing technology is essential, he cautioned against compromising the essence of courtroom proceedings and the human element in delivering justice.
He called for increased investment in court infrastructure and urged the government to support the strengthening of the judicial system. Chief Justice Varale also highlighted the need for timely recruitment of judges, continuous training, and capacity building to improve the overall effectiveness of the courts.
In a related development, the High Court has urged the State government to present multiple proposals to the Chief Minister for expanding the High Court building in Bengaluru, demonstrating the judiciary’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the mounting caseload.
