Prolonged Closure of Palampur Court Leads to Pendency of Cases, Victims Suffer

  The maternity leave of Hon’ble Civil Judge Junior Division Palampur, Mrs. Ritu Sinha, has led to a backlog of around 2000-2500 cases in the court. The leave, which began in March 2023 and was initially scheduled to end in mid-July, has been extended further, it is learnt from reliable sources.

This prolonged closure of Court No. II has brought into focus the need for a stronger judicial infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.

The backlog of cases that has accumulated during her absence is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the state’s judiciary.

The absence of a judge has caused significant inconvenience to victims, accused, and advocates alike.

It is sad state of affairs that the Cases that are on the verge of decision are being delayed, causing further distress to the parties involved.

The situation is also having a negative impact on the economy of the region, as advocates are experiencing a decline in their income.

Concerned about the delay in justice, advocates have appealed to the Himachal Pradesh High Court to make additional arrangements to address the staffing shortage in the Palampur court.

It is feared, if the issue is not resolved promptly, it could lead to a crisis in the justice delivery system of the state.

It is learnt that Honourable  High Court of Himachal Pradesh is aware of the crisis; has acknowledged the problem and it seems that it is taking steps to fill the vacant positions in the Palampur court. However, there is no clear indication as to when a new judge will be appointed. In the meantime, the court is functioning with a reduced staff, which is struggling to cope with the workload.

The delay in justice is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The High Court should take immediate steps to appoint additional judges in the Palampur court and other courts in the state that are facing similar challenges. It is important to ensure that the right to speedy trial is upheld and that victims of crime are not denied justice.

People are of the view that The  Hon’ble High Court should also take steps to increase the number of judges in the lower courts. This will help to reduce the pendency of cases and ensure that justice is delivered in a timely manner.

It is also important to provide adequate infrastructure and support staff to the courts so that they can function effectively.

The delay in justice is a violation of fundamental rights. It is imperative that the judiciary and the government take concrete steps to address this issue. Only then can we ensure that justice is available to all, irrespective of their social status or financial background.

It is important to note that the Judge is fully entitled to her maternity leave, and her absence is not to be blamed, at any cost. Rather, the issue lies in the system’s inability to cope with such situations. The High Court should have made arrangements to ensure that the Palampur court remained fully functional during the judge’s leave. This could have been done by appointing a substitute judge or by redistributing the workload among other courts.

* The pendency of cases in the Palampur court is not an isolated incident. Several other courts in Himachal Pradesh are facing similar challenges.

This is due to a number of factors, including the shortage of judges, inadequate infrastructure, and vacancies in the administrative staff.

* The government and the judiciary need to take urgent steps to address the issue of judicial pendency. Some possible solutions include:

* Increasing the number of judges in the lower courts.

* Appointing substitute judges or part-time judges to fill vacancies.

× Setting up fast-track courts for speedy disposal of cases.

*Improving court infrastructure and providing modern amenities.

* Streamlining court procedures to reduce delays.

* Filling vacancies in the administrative staff of the courts.

💐It is also important to raise awareness about the issue of judicial pendency among the public.

👍People should be encouraged to seek legal advice and file their cases in the appropriate courts.

👍They should also be aware of their rights and the remedies available to them in case of delays.

The delay in justice is a serious problem that affects the lives of millions of people. It can lead to financial hardship, emotional distress, and even loss of liberty. It is important to ensure that justice is delivered in a timely and efficient manner. The government, the judiciary, and the legal fraternity all have a role to play in achieving this goal.