Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has issued a circular stating an action plan for redistribution of 50 oldest cases, classified as critical arrears, to other courts from the affected courts in the district judiciary. Such cases have long been awaiting disposal, as the judicial officers concerned have been on leave for various reasons, including medical issues.
This is part of phase III of the ‘action plan for arrears reduction in district judiciary’.
According to the circular, this redistribution should be conducted with careful consideration of the specific nature and complexities of each case to ensure appropriate and efficient handling to help in preventing delays in the processing of these targeted cases.
According to the circular, the effective use of Lok Adalat and mediation may help in addressing the pendency of old cases. “The introduction of special pre-Lok Adalat sittings for identified old cases can significantly enhance the resolution process. These pre-Lok Adalat sessions provide an opportunity for the parties involved to discuss their issues before formally presenting them at the Lok Adalat, fostering a more conducive environment for amicable settlements. In these pre-Lok Adalat sittings, the involvement of trained mediators may be considered,” the circular said.
In order to address unready cases, each trial court shall initiate a thorough review of all unready cases to identify specific reasons for their unprepared/unready status, the circular said, adding that judicial intervention may be required to resolve procedural issues that are causing delays.
“If the case management committee finds that oldest targeted cases cannot be heard because the record of the cases is with the high court, though no stay is granted, a list of such matters shall be compiled by each district committee and be forwarded to the Registrar (Judicial) of Gauhati High Court. Such reports shall be submitted every month,” the circular said.
According to the circular, in order to tackle the shortage of public prosecutors, district judges/CJMs shall ensure maximum utilisation of the available public prosecutors.
During the implementation of the action plan, priority should be given to cases involving senior citizens or individuals with terminal illnesses, it said.
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