Justice Surya Kant Outlines Tackling Case Pendency and Promoting Mediation as Key Priorities for Indian Judiciary

Justice Kant highlighted that the Supreme Court currently faces a backlog of over 90,000 pending cases.

New Delhi:

Justice Surya Kant, who will assume the role of Chief Justice of India in two days, has outlined his two main priorities for his upcoming 16-month tenure: addressing the significant backlog of pending cases in the judiciary and enhancing the implementation of mediation processes.

During a press conference held on Saturday, Justice Kant expressed concern about the Supreme Court's substantial caseload of over 90,000 pending cases, affirming his commitment to tackle this challenge directly in his capacity as Chief Justice.

To address the pendency issues plaguing high courts and lower courts, Justice Kant plans to establish Constitutional benches as a priority measure. These benches will focus on resolving questions of law that have been impeding courts from reaching definitive decisions.

Justice Kant emphasized the importance of cultivating sound judicial practices, noting the necessity to investigate why litigants are bypassing appropriate legal channels and approaching the Supreme Court directly for matters that should initially be handled by high courts and lower courts.

Regarding his second priority, Justice Kant explained that mediation offers a viable pathway to resolve many pending cases. "The entire country is talking about mediation today," he remarked, noting that corporate organizations have approached the Supreme Court seeking training for their officers in mediation techniques.

Additionally, Justice Kant disclosed that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) are scheduled to be signed between the Supreme Court and visiting dignitaries who will be in the national capital for his oath-taking ceremony.

The swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday will be attended by more than a dozen foreign judges and chief justices. Justice Kant's tenure will conclude in February 2027.