The Supreme Court batch matters Special Lok Adalat initiative aims to reduce the massive backlog of pending cases. At a Full Court meeting held on July 15, all 35 Supreme Court judges unanimously agreed to participate in the upcoming Samadhan Samaroh. The initiative will conclude with a Special Lok Adalat from August 21 to August 23. Through this coordinated effort, the Court hopes to accelerate the disposal of long-pending matters and improve the overall efficiency of the judicial system.
Court Prioritises 100 Batch Matters
The Full Court decided to take up at least 100 batch matters that are ready for final hearing. Resolving these matters could dispose of nearly 9,177 linked cases.
The Court directed registry officials to list these matters before designated benches on a priority basis. After clearing these cases, the Court will hear the oldest pending matters every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday where notices have already been issued. This structured approach aims to reduce delays and ensure that long-pending disputes receive timely attention.
Measures to Improve Court Efficiency
The Full Court also introduced several administrative reforms to improve case management. It decided to simplify the daily cause list and ensure that cases are listed in chronological order.
A committee of Supreme Court judges will examine additional reforms and submit recommendations. The Court also directed arguing counsel to provide estimated timelines for their oral submissions. This step aims to make final hearings more efficient and help benches manage their schedules more effectively. The reforms also seek to create greater consistency in listing practices across different benches.
Virtual Hearings for Litigants in Person
The meeting also reviewed procedures under Order IV Rule 1(c) of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013.
The Court decided to offer litigants appearing in person the option of attending proceedings before the Registrar through virtual mode. Those who prefer physical appearances may continue to do so. However, they must not livestream or record the proceedings. This measure balances accessibility with the need to maintain courtroom discipline and protect the integrity of judicial proceedings.
The Supreme Court batch matters Special Lok Adalat initiative reflects the Court’s broader effort to reduce pendency, streamline case management, and improve judicial efficiency across the country. By combining administrative reforms with focused hearings and digital accessibility, the Supreme Court aims to deliver faster and more effective justice for litigants.
