SC Rejects Plea for Fixed Case Timelines: Not the US Supreme Court

On October 13, 2024, the Supreme Court of India firmly dismissed a petition that sought directives for the time-bound disposal of cases across all Indian courts, including the apex court. The plea, which suggested a framework mandating the resolution of cases within 12 to 36 months, was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The petitioner, pointing to the judicial systems in countries like the United States, argued that a structured timeline for case resolution would enhance judicial efficiency. However, the court rejected the idea, citing significant differences in the nature of the Indian legal system and the volume of cases compared to countries like the U.S.

In dismissing the plea, the CJI remarked, "We are not the American Supreme Court," accentuating the vast differences between India’s judiciary and those of Western nations. The court expressed concern over attempting to draw direct comparisons between India and other countries with entirely different legal structures, case volumes, and operational frameworks. 

Addressing the petitioner's reference to other nations having set timeframes for judicial proceedings, the bench pointed out the massive disparity in the caseload between India and nations like the United States. In India, the number of cases being disposed of daily by a single bench often exceeds the total yearly output of some Western courts. 

During the proceedings, the bench questioned the practicality of the request. "You want hearing in all the cases to be disposed of within 12 months in the Supreme Court?" the court asked, displaying the unrealistic nature of the demand. The Justices emphasised that while the goal of quick case disposal is "very desirable," it remains largely "unachievable" under the current conditions.

The court further illustrated the sheer scale of the Indian judiciary's caseload, noting that a single day’s workload for a Supreme Court bench in India often surpasses the number of cases that some Western courts, such as the U.S. Supreme Court, deal with in an entire year. The top court handles not only constitutional matters but also an array of civil and criminal cases, adding to the judicial burden. 

CJI Chandrachud also emphasised that India’s judicial system is grounded in the principle of access to justice for all. "We can't restrict," the court stated, reflecting its stance against setting arbitrary limits on when and how citizens can approach the judiciary. The court reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice is available to everyone, irrespective of the time frame involved.