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| Supreme Court Drive to Boost Judicial Performance |
In March 2024, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud of India outlined the Supreme Court's endeavor to establish an objective framework aimed at identifying and rewarding exceptional trial court judges nationwide. This initiative seeks to acknowledge and motivate judges who efficiently address the massive backlog of cases, surpassing their peers in productivity.
India's trial courts currently grapple with an overwhelming backlog of over 4.5 crore cases. Despite the disposal of nearly 13 lakh cases monthly by around 20,000 judges, the influx of over 19 lakh fresh cases per month exacerbates the chronic backlog, resulting in prolonged litigation and delayed justice.
Recognizing the necessity to incentivize high performers, the Supreme Court acknowledged the need for differentiated rewards to inspire proactive judges. Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the importance of distinguishing exceptional judges from their less proactive counterparts. This recognition framework aims to encourage emulation among judges and foster a culture of excellence within the judiciary.
The parameters for identifying star performers are under consideration and may include disposal rates, backlog reduction metrics, judgment quality, courtroom administration, initiative-taking, and handling of complex cases amidst external pressures.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court is contemplating granting additional benefits to high achievers beyond regular pay, promotions, and postings. This move aims to instill a sense of purpose among judges and further incentivize efforts to alleviate the backlog.
In recent developments, the Supreme Court overturned a previous judgment mandating the automatic vacation of stay orders after six months in civil and criminal cases. Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that timelines for case disposal should only be imposed under exceptional circumstances.
In summary, the Supreme Court's initiative to formally recognize and reward high-performing trial court judges signifies a significant step towards addressing India's case backlog. By linking performance to incentives objectively, this mechanism aims to cultivate excellence and efficiency within the lower judiciary, ultimately facilitating timely delivery of justice.