Gujarat’s courts are currently burdened with more than 16 lakh pending cases, placing the state 11th in India in terms of the highest number of pending court cases. What is even more concerning is that over 1.36 lakh cases have remained unresolved for more than 30 years, highlighting the growing pressure on the state’s judicial system.
According to the latest judicial data, the number of pending cases in Gujarat has crossed 16.75 lakh, while nearly 18 lakh cases have been pending for different periods. The figures indicate that despite regular disposal of cases, new filings continue to outpace the speed at which courts are able to deliver judgments.
More Than One Lakh Cases Pending for Three Decades
One of the biggest concerns is the age of many pending cases. Data shows that:
1,36,024 cases have been pending for more than 30 years.
60,019 cases have been pending for 20 to 30 years.
32,243 cases are pending for 10 to 20 years.
2,91,242 cases have remained unresolved for 5 to 10 years.
These figures suggest that a significant number of people have been waiting years, and in many cases decades, for justice.
Gujarat Among Top States With Pending Cases
Although Gujarat ranks 11th nationally, several larger states continue to have a much higher burden of pending litigation.
The states with the highest number of pending court cases include:
Uttar Pradesh – around 65.34 lakh cases
Maharashtra – about 18.68 lakh cases
West Bengal – around 16.59 lakh cases
Rajasthan – nearly 15.50 lakh cases
Bihar – around 14.68 lakh cases
Gujarat follows these states with approximately 16.75 lakh pending cases, reflecting the heavy workload faced by courts across the country.
Long Delays Continue to Affect Litigants
A large number of civil and criminal cases remain stuck in the judicial process for years. Such delays not only increase the burden on courts but also affect thousands of people waiting for verdicts in property disputes, family matters, criminal trials, and other legal issues.
Legal experts have often pointed to reasons such as vacancies in the judiciary, rising case registrations, shortage of court infrastructure, and lengthy legal procedures as major contributors to the growing backlog.
Need for Faster Justice Delivery
The rising number of pending cases underlines the urgent need to strengthen Gujarat’s judicial system. Filling vacant judge positions, improving court infrastructure, embracing digital case management, and encouraging faster disposal of old cases could help reduce the backlog.
With over 1.36 lakh cases pending for more than three decades, the data serves as a reminder that timely justice remains a major challenge. Addressing the backlog will be crucial to ensuring quicker and more effective access to justice for citizens across Gujarat.
Also Read: Ahmedabad Underwater: 45% Of Annual Rainfall Pours Down In A Single Day https://www.vibesofindia.com/ahmedabad-heavy-rain-flooding-45-percent-rainfall-one-day-waterlogging/
