national legal mission-7nov2009

8/10/2019 National Legal Mission-7NOV2009

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T(E CONSTITUTION OF INDIA

'ream)le

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having s!e"n!# res!ve$ t cnstit%te In$ia

int a SO&E'EI(N SO)IALIST SE)*LA' DE+O)'ATI) 'EP*LI) an$ t

sec%re t a!! its citiens.

/*STI)E, scia!, ecn"ic an$ !itica!

LIE'T 3 th%ght, e4ressin, 5e!ie3, 3aith an$ 6rshi

E7*ALIT 3 stat%s an$ 3 rt%nit#

an$ t r"te a"ng the" a!!

F'ATE'NIT ass%ring the $ignit# 3 the in$ivi$%a! an$ the %nit# an$ integrit#

3 the Natin

IN O*' )ONSTIT*ENT ASSE+L this t6ent#-si4th $a# 3 Nve"5er,

1989, $ HE'E ADOPT, ENA)T AND (I&E TO O*'SEL&ES THIS

)ONSTIT*TION

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Ta)le o! Co*#e*#s

I. I*#rod"$#io*+++++++++++++,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,+++++,-

II. Na#io*al Missio* !or Deliery o! J"s#i$e a*d Le.al Re!orm+++/

III. T0e Resol"#io* 1assed a# #0e Na#io*al Co*s"l#a#io*+++++,,2

IV. So$ie#y !or Deliery o! J"s#i$e a*d Le.al Re!orm++++++,,34

V, S#ra#e.i$ A$#io* 'la*3, O"#li*e 'oli$y $0a*.es

1.1. Na#io*al Li#i.a#io* 'oli$y++++++++++++++,,35

1.2. T0e Law Commissio* a*d o#0er,re$omme*da#io*s++,,36

4, Re7e*.i*eer 1ro$ed"res

2.1. Ide*#i!i$a#io* o! &o##le*e$8s+++++++++++++,3-

2.2. Remoal o! &o##le*e$8s++++++++,,++++++,,,3-

2.3. Ca#e.ori9a#io* a*d Cl"))i*. o! Cases++++++++, 3:

2.4. J"di$ial Ma*a.eme*# a*d Case Ma*a.eme*#+++++,3/

2.5. O#0er s"..es#ed 1ro$ed"ral $0a*.es++++++++,,,4;


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Crimi*al J"s#i$e Sys#em++++,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,+++++42

E7Co"r#s++++++++++++++,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,++,


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INTRODUCTION


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?%$iciar#, the ar, the !itigants as 6e!! as the (vern"ents, 5th )entre an$

States

An# &isin State"ent in this regar$ "a# nt 5e a5!e t r?ect 6ra5!e

$e!ivera5!es 5e#n$ a eri$ 3 10 #ears 5eca%se 3 the %nrece$ente$

$eve!"ents taing !ace in techn!g#, ecn"# an$ !it# 3 the natin

Nr is it ssi5!e t cat%re a!! asects 3 ?%$icia! re3r" in ne $c%"ent As

s%ch, the resent atte"t is t 3c%s n t6 "a?r ga!s in ?%$icia! re3r"

na"e!#.

1 increasing access 5# re$%cing $e!a# an$ arrears in the

s#ste", an$,

2 enhancing acc%nta5i!it# thr%gh str%ct%ra! changes an$ 5#

setting er3r"ance stan$ar$s an$ caacities

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NATIONAL MISSION FOR DELIVERY OF JUSTICE AND LEGAL

REFORM

VISION

Timely Delivery of Justice to All

MISSION

To Strengthen the Judiciary toards reducing !endency and delays

O&JECTIVE"educing the !endency of arrears from #$ years to % years &y '(#'

STRATEGY

The Natina! +issin 3r De!iver# 3 /%stice an$ Lega! 'e3r" rses the

3!!6ing strategic initiatives t rea!ie its visin.

I O%t!ine P!ic# changes

II 'e-engineer rce$%res

III Fc%s n H%"an 'es%rce Deve!"ent

I& Leverage I)T techn!g# an$ t!s

The Natina! +issin 3r De!iver# 3 /%stice an$ Lega! 'e3r" 6i!! 5e service$

5# a Sciet# registere$ %n$er The Scieties 'egistratin Act, 1>0 The sai$

Sciet# 6i!! act as a Secia! P%rse &ehic!e


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Na#io*al Co*s"l#a#io* !or S#re*.#0e*i*. #0e J"di$iary

#owards Red"$i*. 'e*de*$y a*d Delays

?45746 O$#o)er 4;;2>

RESOLUTION da#ed 46 #0 O$#o)er 4;;2

T0e 'ar#i$i1a*#s@

"eiterating the Constitutional !romise to deliver e*ual +ustice under la to all

citiens and to !rovide access to +ustice to all, !articularly the ea-er

sections of society

)oting that the Presi$ent 3 In$ia in her a$$ress t the /int sessin 3

Par!ia"ent $e!ivere$ n /%ne :r$ 2009 ha$ e"hasie$ the nee$ 3r a

ra$"a 3r ?%$icia! re3r"s

)oting that the Pri"e +inister 3 In$ia in his a$$ress t the )n3erence 3

)hie3 +inisters an$ )hie3 /%stices n A%g%st 1>th2009 $escri5e$ the h%ge

arrears an$ case 5ac!gs as the ri"e s%rce 3 cncern in re!atin t the

In$ian !ega! s#ste"

"ecalling the cnsens%s 3 a!! thse resent, inc!%$ing the Hn%ra5!e )hie3

/%stice 3 In$ia, the Hn%ra5!e *nin +inister 3r La6 an$ /%stice, the

Hn%ra5!e Attrne# (enera! 3 In$ia an$ the Learne$ S!icitr (enera! 3

In$ia an$ thers that the en$enc# an$ $e!a#s in the c%rts ca!!s 3r %rgent

an$ i""e$iate actin

"eaffirming thec""it"ent 3 thse resent inc!%$ing the /%stices 3 theS%re"e )%rt 3 In$ia an$ ther "e"5ers 3 the /%$iciar#, /%$icia! 33icers,

La6 33icers, +e"5ers 3 the ar, reresentatives 3 the *nin +inistr# 3

La6 G /%stice an$ "e"5ers 3 the %5!ic t $e$icate the"se!ves t re$%ce

the en$enc# 3 cases 3r" 1; #ears t : #ears an$ t 6r tgether t

i"!e"ent the vari%s stes re@%ire$ t ens%re e4e$iti%s, @%a!it# an$

inc!%sive ?%stice

Ta-ing )ote 3 the &isin Dc%"ent resente$ 5# the Hn%ra5!e *nin

+inister 3 La6 an$ /%stice t the Hn%ra5!e )hie3 /%stice 3 In$ia

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Ado!t the&isin State"ent an$ Actin P!an as a %5!ic c""it"ent 3r

re$esigning the ?%stice $e!iver# s#ste" t re$%ce en$enc# an$ $e!a#s

Urge a!! cnstit%ents t recgnise their secia! r!e an$ resnsi5i!it# t

i"!e"ent the Actin P!an

Decide that t i"!e"ent the Actin P!an the Natina! Arrears (ri$ an$ the

Secia! P%rse vehic!e 5e incrrate$ n !ater than 2>thNve"5er 2009,

La6 Da#

"ecommend theHigh )%rtBs "ae avai!a5!e a!! the $ata 3r the Natina! (ri$

5# :0thNve"5er 2009

Also decide that the i"!e"entatin 3 the Actin P!an sh%!$ 3c%s n

h%"an res%rce $eve!"ent, in3rastr%ct%re $eve!"ent an$ rce$%ra!

re3r"s

Commit to c"rehensive h%"an res%rce $eve!"ent in a!! sectrs

inc!%$ing ?%$ges !a6#ers, !a6 33icers, rsec%trs an$ c%rt sta33 in an

inc!%sive "anner

.urther commit t e33icient an$ ti"%" %ti!iatin 3 e4isting in3rastr%ct%re

an$ i"rve"ents an$ a$$itins t h#sica! an$ techn!gica! in3rastr%ct%re

Also commit t seci3ic i"!e"entatin 3 rce$%ra! re3r"s at a!! !eve!s in a

ti"e 5%n$ "anner inc!%$ing c%rtai!"ent 3 a$?%rn"ents, intr$%cing as#ste" 3 cntin%%s hearing in civi! cases an$ cri"ina! tria!s an$ e4e$iting

e4ec%tin rcee$ings 5# re"ving %nnecessar# $e!a#s

Ac-noledge the initiative %n$ertaen 5# the (vern"ent 3 In$ia t 3ra"e a

Natina! Litigatin P!ic# 5# :1st Dece"5er 2009 6ith a vie6 t ens%re

cn$%ct 3 resnsi5!e !itigatin 5# the )entra! (vern"ent an$ %rges ever#

State (vern"ent t ev!ve si"i!ar !icies

/elcome and A!!laud the i$ea 3 an SP& as an a%tn"%s an$ 3!e4i5!e

"eans t rvi$e in3rastr%ct%ra!, "anageria!, techn!gica! an$ "an6er

services t the /%$iciar# an$ the sing%!ar cntri5%tin 3 Dr Sa" Pitr$a in

the cncet%a!isatin 3 the SP& an$ the i"!e"entatin 3 its rgra"s

0earing in mind that a!! s%ch changes sh%!$ 3c%s n inc!%sive gr6th

reaching a!! !eve!s 3 sciet# an$ acn6!e$ging the nee$ t create an In$ian

"$e!

"e*uestthe )entra! (vern"ent t "ae avai!a5!e a$e@%ate an$ c""itte$

res%rces t i"!e"ent an$ s%rt the Actin P!an

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"ecognie the nee$ 3r "e$iatin an$ ther "eth$s 3 $is%te res!%tin as

an rganie$ "ainstrea" ?%stice $e!iver# "echanis"

.urther recognie the rinci!e 5ehin$ ?%$icia! aint"ents sh%!$ 5e

$e!iver# 3 @%a!it# an$ e4e$iti%s ?%stice an$ %5!ic service

Commend for consideration the esta5!ish"ent 3 a A!! In$ia /%$icia! Service

thr%gh an en c"etitive e4a"inatin ens%ring the 5est ssi5!e se!ectin

/elcome the s%ggestin 3 the Hn%ra5!e )hie3 /%stice 3 In$ia 3r a

ntina! increase in the sanctine$ strength 3 ?%$ges 5# 2; in r$er t

ena5!e the ?%$iciar# t "ae a$vance se!ectin 3r aint"ent as sn as

the vacanc# arises

Also recognise the nee$ 3r aint"ent 3 a$ hc ?%$ges at a!! !eve!s 3 the

?%$iciar# n a te"rar# 5asis 3r" a"ngst retire$ ?%$ges an$ "e"5ers 3

the 5ar

"ecommend the creatin 3 a Natina! P! 3 /%$icia! O33icers 3r" retire$

?%$ges t ena5!e ersns 3r" the ! t 5e ainte$ as H) ?%$ges in

vari%s states

"ecommend assigning secia! ?%$ges t $ea! 6ith a!! en$ing cri"ina! cases

6here the ter" is !ess than : #ears

/elcome and A!!laud the !ea$ershi given the 5# the )hie3 /%stice 3 In$ia,/%$ges 3 the S%re"e )%rt an$ )hie3 /%stices 3 the vari%s High )%rts

an$ their c!!eag%es, ar )%nci!s 3 In$ia an$ ar Assciatins 3r their

sitive r!e in initiating an$ 3%rthering a "eaning3%! $ia!g%e t 3%rther the

5?ectives 3 the visin $c%"ent

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SOCIETY FOR DELIVERY OF JUSTICE AND LA REFORM

C0ar#er

1. The Secia! P%rse &ehic!e, herea3ter ca!!e$ the SP& 3r the Natina!+issin 3r De!iver# 3 /%stice an$ Lega! 'e3r" 6i!! "anage an$

i"!e"ent the &isin reare$ 5# the Natina! +issin 3r De!iver# 3

/%stice an$ Lega! 'e3r" an$ a!s service the ar )%nci! 3 In$ia

2. The SP& 6i!! $e3ine an$ i"!e"ent an actin !an t rvi$e


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The SP& 6i!! a!s have engineers, architects an$ in3r"atin techn!g#

e4erts as art 3 its tea"

7. The e4ec%tive tea" 3 the SP& 6i!! have 6e!! $e3ine$ ter"s 3 re3erence,

ga!s an$ 5?ectives, "echanis" t rert rgress, iss%e "anage"ent

an$ er3r"ance "anage"ent 3ra"e6r The e4ec%tive tea" 6i!! have

3ree$" an$ 3!e4i5i!it# t 6r t6ar$s its ga!s an$ 6i!! rert n!# t the

ar$ 3 Directrs 3r strategic cntr! an$ $ecisin "aing

The SP& 6i!! 5e s%rte$ 3r research an$ scienti3ic st%$ies n !ega!

"atters 5# $i33erent aca$e"ic an$ (vern"ent 5$ies s%ch as the

Natina! La6 Sch!s, the La6 )""issin, nn-gvern"enta!

rganiatins, an$ rivate research rganiatins

9 The SP& 6i!! a!s steer re3r"s in the !ega! e$%catin s#ste" in !ine 6ith

rec""en$atins 3 the Natina! Lega! n6!e$ge )%nci! esta5!ishe$ 5#

the ar )%nci! 3 In$ia

10. The SP& 6i!! ev!ve a "echanis" t engage the citiens 3 the c%ntr# in

this "ega re3r" rcess The nee$ is t 5ring a5%t attit%$ina! change in

the %5!ic cnsci%sness t6ar$s the ?%$icia! s#ste" an$ create

a6areness n the rse$ ?%$icia! re3r"s

11. The SP& 6i!! 3r" artnershis an$ a!!iances 6ith the rivate sectr6herever re@%ire$ It 6%!$ atte"t t %ts%rce eratina! activities,

h6ever 6i!! retain cntr! 3 a!! strategic !ic# an$ "anage"ent asects

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3, O"#li*e 'oli$y $0a*.es

3,3, Na#io*al Li#i.a#io* 'oli$y

The (vern"ent nee$s t 5e trans3r"e$ 3r" a c"%!sive

!itigant int a resnsi5!e an$ ca%ti%s !itigant an$ th%s the )entra!

(vern"ent is rsing the intr$%ctin 3 a Natina! Litigatin

P!ic# A $etai!e$ actin !an sha!! 5e !a%nche$ searate!#, 6hich

sha!! 3c%s n i$enti3icatin an$ re"va! 3 3riv!%s an$ ve4ati%s

cases re3erre$ 5# the )entra! (vern"ent

This D%e Di!igence rcess sha!! inv!ve $ra6ing %n statistics 3

a!! en$ing "atters 6hich sha!! 5e rvi$e$ 3r 5# a!! (vern"ent

$eart"ents inc!%$ing PS*sThe O33ice 3 the Attrne# (enera!

an$ the S!icitr (enera! sha!! a!s 5e resnsi5!e 3r revie6ing a!!

en$ing cases an$ 3i!tering 3riv!%s an$ ve4ati%s "atters 3r" the

"eritri%s nes An O33ice 3r the Attrne# (enera! an$ the

S!icitr (enera! is s!ate$ t 5e esta5!ishe$ as a 3%!!-3!e$ge$ 33ice

6ith a tta! 3 ;2 !a6#ers an$ 2> !a6 researchers

Nr"s 6i!! 5e 3r"%!ate$ 3r $e3en$ing cases 3i!e$ against the

(vern"ent The arach that Jthe Petitiner is a!6a#s 6rng

an$ "%st 5e resiste$ in ever# 6hich 6a#B "%st 5e a5an$ne$

Prer nr"s 6i!! 5e !ai$ $6n 3r aea! an$ 3%rther cha!!enge

The resent s#ste" vi 1let the Courts decide every case2"%st 5e

$ne 6ith This 6%!$ a!# 5th t the )entra! an$ the State

(vern"ents

Setting % 3 E"6ere$ )""ittees t e!i"inate %nnecessar#

!itigatin nee$s t 5e cnsi$ere$

Decisins re!ating t (vern"ent an$ (vern"enta! !ic# "%st

a!s 5e %t n an i$enti3ia5!e c%rse This 6%!$ re@%ire c!!ectin

3 $ata, c!assi3icatin an$ !anning 3 )%rtKench sitins

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3,4, T0e Law Commissio* a*d o#0er re$omme*da#io*s

The O33ice 3 the Attrne# (enera! an$ S!icitr (enera! has

a!rea$# e"5are$ n a tas 3 i$enti3#ing a!! re!evantrec""en$atins 3r" vari%s La6 )""issin rerts 6hich

re@%ire i"!e"entatin This target is e4ecte$ t 5e achieve$ 5#

:1stDece"5er 2009 A rert 6i!! 5e s%5"itte$ t the La6 +inister

an$ the Pri"e +inister t tae 3r6ar$ s%ch a"en$"ents as are

necessar# an$ 6hich have 5een arve$ 5# the La6 )""issin

Par!ia"ent has intr$%ce$ rce$%ra! re3r"s in cri"ina! an$ civi!

rce$%re as 6e!! as in the Evi$ence Act in an incre"enta! "anner

H6ever, the La6 )""issin has t cnsi$er, n a cntin%ing

5asis, 6hich rtins 3 the !a6 are %nsatis3actr# ie %n$%!#

c"!e4, %nc!ear r %t$ate$ The e"hasis "%st 5e n

i$enti3#ing a!! !a6s, rce$%ra! r s%5stantia! 6hich 5str%ct

e4e$iti%s $issa! 3 cases F%rther, re )nstit%tina! !a6s nee$

t 5e s#nchrnie$ 6ith )nstit%tina! ga!s an$ i$ea!s The ter"s

3 re3erence 3 the La6 )""issin nee$ t 5e recise an$

3c%se$ n !a6s 6hich e4e$ite $issa! 3 cases

There is a!s a nee$ t recnstit%te the La6 )""issin, n a

stat%tr# 5asis, t c"rise 3 !a6#ers an$ innvatrs 6h can

s%ggest cnstant a"en$"ents t the !a6 S%ggeste$ a"en$"ents

"%st rcee$ n an e"irica! 5asis an$ scienti3ic st%$# The La6

)""issin "%st 5e esta5!ishe$ as a 5$# 6ith a$e@%ate 3ie!$

research 6rers, anthr!gists, sci!gists, c%!t%re e4erts an$

!ega! researchers The re3r"s "entine$ in the +a!i"ath )""ittee 'ert n

se!ectin 3 rsec%trs an$ the rec""en$atins 3 the /%$icia!

I"act Assess"ent )""ittee "%st 5e seri%s!# an$ i""e$iate!#

cnsi$ere$

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4, Re7e*.i*eer 'ro$ed"res

4,3, Ide*#i!i$a#io* o! &o##le*e$8s

St%$ies have sh6n that cases %n$er certain stat%tes an$ areas 3

!a6 are ching the $cets 3 "agisteria! an$ secia!ie$ c%rts,

an$ the sa"e have 5een i$enti3ie$ as 3!!6s.

1 +atri"nia! cases

2 )ases %n$er Sectin 89A 3 the In$ian Pena! )$e,

1>0

: )ases %n$er Sectin 1: 3 the Negtia5!e

Instr%"ents Act, 11

8 )ases %n$er the Preventin 3 )rr%tin Act, 19

; 'eg%!ar "%r$er casesKaea!s

> )ivi! cases, inc!%$ing s%its 6hich "a# have 5een

ren$ere$ in3r%ct%%s

C )ases %n$er Sectin 82 3 the )$e 3 )ri"ina!

Prce$%re, 19C:

Pett# cases s%ch as Tra33ic )ha!!ans

9 +tr Acci$ent )!ai"s

Priritiatin has t 5e 6re$ %t 3r an e4e$iti%s res!%tin 3

certain categr# 3 cases, s%ch as thse 3i!e$ 5# senir citiens,

ter"ina!!# i!! ersns, cases ertaining t Pretria! an$ /%veni!e

risners, 6"en 6h are victi"s 3 vi!ence These "%st receive

3ast trac an$ %t 3 t%rn $issa! 5%t in a %ni3r", rganie$ an$

s#ste"atic "anner

There "%st 5e certaint# in the !a6 'estricting the n%"5er 3

?%$g"ents is necessar# t avi$ %ncertaint# in the !a6 7%a!it# an$

recisin assist the !6er ?%$iciar# in the e4e$iti%s an$ 3ina!

$issa! 3 cases

4,4, Remoal o! &o##le*e$8s

Fast Trac rce$%res "%st 5e ev!ve$ t $ea! 6ith the casesear"are$ as ca%sing 5tt!enecs

1>


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Secia! )%rt '"s, a$$itina! 5%i!$ings an$ ther in3rastr%ct%re

"%st 5e rvi$e$ 3r the a5ve %rse Increase$ in3rastr%ct%ra!

s%rt "%st 5e cnsi$ere$ n a 6ar-3ting

Setting % a ti"e ta5!e 3r the re$%ctin 3 5tt!enec arrears, 6ith

re3era5!# the arrears as n 112009 t 5e !i@%i$ate$ 5#

:1122012 Ti"eta5!es sh%!$ 5e esta5!ishe$ 3r ever# cnteste$

case an$ "nitre$ thr%gh a c"%terie$ signa!!ing s#ste" N/A

has $eve!e$ an$ i!te$ s%ch a "$e!

Secia! )%rts t rcess cases n a nn-st $a#-t-$a# 5asis

6ith n a$?%rn"ents e4cet in rare circ%"stances

)ases re!ate$ t $ishnr 3 a che@%e %s%a!!# en$ % in s"e in$

3 a"ica5!e sett!e"ent sn a3ter the resence 3 the acc%se$ is

sec%re$ The De!hi High )%rt s%ggests %tting in !ace a shi3t

s#ste" t $ea! 6ith cases %n$er Sectin 1: 3 the Negtia5!e

Instr%"ents Act there5# a!!6ing "re ?%$icia! "an6er t 5e

$e!#e$ 6ithin the cnstraints 3 !i"ite$ in3rastr%ct%re

)%rts "a# a!s tae resrt t Sectin 9A 3 the )ivi! Prce$%re

)$e, 190 in r$er t ens%re that !itigants 3irst e4ha%st a!! "$es

3 a!ternative $is%te res!%tin This 6i!! nt n!# $ecrease the

en$enc# 3 cases 5e3re c%rts, 5%t 6%!$ a!s s%5stantia!!#

re$%ce !itigatin csts an$ ens%re ti"e!# an$ a"ica5!e res!%tin 3

$is%tes

)""ercia! an$ ar5itratin cases have t 5e %t n a searate

trac Th%gh a s#ste" 3 a!ternative $is%te res!%tin K

secia!ie$ $is%te res!%tin ai"s at re$%cing an$ in s"e cases,

e!i"inating ti"e sent in c%rt, the e4isting sitin $es nt re3!ectthis /%$ges, 6h are 6e!! verse$ 6ith c""ercia! !a6s an$

ractices, as 6e!! as secia!ist ar5itratin ?%$ges, sh%!$ 5e

re@%este$ t %t s%ch cases n 3ast trac

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18/34

ear!# hearing an$ $isse$ 33 5e3re the 3!$ act%a!!# inva$es the

)%rt The ten$enc# t a!!6 s%ch 5atch-cases t acc%"%!ate int

h%n$re$s sh%!$ 5e $e!re$

The ractise 3 gr%ing sh%!$ 5e intr$%ce$ 6here5# cases

sh%!$ 5e assigne$ a artic%!ar n%"5er r i$entit# accr$ing t the

s%5?ect an$ stat%te inv!ve$ In 3act, 3%rther s%5-gr%ing is a!s

ssi5!e T 3aci!itate this rcess, stan$ar$ 3r"s "%st 5e $evise$

6hich !a6#ers have t 3i!! % at the ti"e 3 3i!ing 3 cases

(vern"ent !ea$ersB 33ices "%st 5e c"e!!e$ t stre

in3r"atin in their registers r c"%ters This $ata 6%!$ state

the stat%te %n$er 6hich each case 3a!!s r as t the iss%es inv!ve$

an$ the (vern"ent !a6#ers can 5e 3re@%ent!# ase$ t c"e %t

6ith the !ist 3 cases 6hich 5e!ng t the sa"e categr#

4,5, J"di$ial Ma*a.eme*# a*d Case Ma*a.eme*#

J/%$icia! +anage"entB is a ter" %se$ t $escri5e a!! asects 3 ?%$icia!

inv!ve"ent in the a$"inistratin an$ "anage"ent 3 c%rts an$ the

cases 5e3re the" It inc!%$es rce$%ra! activis" 5# ?%$ges in re-tria!

an$ tria! rcess an$ in Jcase "anage"entB

)ase "anage"ent is a c"rehensive s#ste" 3 "anage"ent 3 ti"e

an$ events in a !a6-s%it as it rcee$s thr%gh the ?%stice s#ste", 3r"

initiatin t res!%tin 3 $is%tes The nee$ 3 the h%r is t $eart 3r"

the tra$itina! a$versaria! case "anage"ent ractices 6hich ha$ !e3t the

ace 3 !itigatin ri"ari!# in the han$s 3 !ega! ractitiners This can 5eachieve$ 5# a$ting "$ern an$ e33icient case "anage"ent ractices

Tra$itina!!#, the c%rtsB r!e 6as si"!# t resn$ t rcesses

initiate$ 5# ractitiners %t, the 5?ectives 3 Jcase "anage"entB

sh%!$ n6 inc!%$e.

I Increasing the cst e33ectiveness 3 !itigatin

II E4e$iti%s $issa! 3 cases as is reasna5!#

ractica5!e

1


19/34

III Pr"ting a sense 3 reasna5!e rrtin an$

rce$%ra! ecn"#

I& Ens%ring 3airness 5et6een the arties

& Faci!itating sett!e"ent

&I Ens%ring the c%rts res%rces are $istri5%te$ 3air!#

&II )%rts t sec%re ?%st res!%tin 3 $is%te in

accr$ance 6ith the s%5stantive rights 3 the arties

&III The arties an$ their !ega! reresentatives t he!

the c%rt t 3%rther the %n$er!#ing 5?ectives

The c%rts sh%!$ a!s 5e $%t# 5%n$ t 3%rther the a3re"entine$

5?ectives 5# Jactive!# "anagingB cases Activis" in case

"anage"ent 5# the c%rts sh%!$ ai" t .

I Enc%rage arties t cerate

II I$enti3# iss%es at an ear!# stage

III Enc%rage an$ 3aci!itate the %se 3 a!ternative

$is%te res!%tin rce$%res, i3 arriate, an$ he!

the arties t sett!e 6h!e r art 3 the $is%te

I& Fi4 ti"eta5!es r ther6ise cntr! the rgress 3 the case

& Deve! in3r"atin techn!g# s%rt

&I +nitr case !a$s

&II +ae "re e33ective %se 3 ?%$icia! res%rces

&III esta5!ish 3 tria! stan$ar$s

I )nsi$er 6hether the !ie!# 5ene3it 3 taing a

artic%!ar ste ?%sti3ies the cst

Dea! 6ith as "an# asects 3 the case as ssi5!e n

the sa"e ccasin

I P!an 3r the 3%t%re

II Ens%re e33icient an$ e4e$iti%s cn$%ct 3 tria!, an$

iss%e $irectins in this regar$ i3 necessar#

III Peri$ica!!# revie6 3 cases t i$enti3# s!iages

an$ shrt c"ings

19


20/34

Setting % a ti"e ta5!e 3r re-$eter"ine$ events an$ s%ervising

the rgress 3 a !a6-s%it thr%gh the ti"e-ta5!e are essentia!

c"nents 3 the case-"anage"ent s#ste" T achieve this, the

arties "%st c"!ete a JTi"e ta5!ing 7%estinnaireB t ena5!e the

c%rt t 3i4 a tai!re$ ti"eta5!e, 6hich taes int acc%nt the

reasna5!e c!ai"s 3 the arties an$ the nee$s 3 the artic%!ar

case Prer c"!etin 3 the sai$ @%estinnaire 6i!! re@%ire a

$etai!e$ cnsi$eratin 3 h6 the case "a# rgress, cns%!tatin

6ith the ther arties an$, re3era5!#, agree"ent 6ith the ther

arties as t case "anage"ent $irectins I3 $irectins are nt

agree$ at this stage, the !ainti33KetitinerKc!ai"ant 6i!! nee$ t

tae %t a


21/34

4,6, O#0er s"..es#ed 1ro$ed"ral $0a*.es

Ever# High )%rt sh%!$ have a s"a!! $eart"ent 3 e4erience$

33icers 6h can 5e ase$ t.

1 Tae % the !$ cases an$ 3in$ %t 6h# the# are ntrie, 6hat $e3ects have t 5e c%re$, r 6h# arties

are nt serve$ 6ith ntices r 6h# !ega!

reresentatives are nt 5r%ght n recr$ r 6h#

aer 5s have nt 5een 3i!e$ 5# the c%nse!

2 )!%5 cases int gr%s an$ s%5-gr%s cntaining

i$entica! iss%es

: Preare a 5rie3 res%"e 3 the 3acts an$ the iss%es

raise$

Fi!ing 3 Written State"ents rir t ra! arg%"ents 6i!! c"e! the

c%nse!s t 3c%s n the iss%es re!evant This 6i!! save ti"e 5#

a!!6ing ?%$ges t 5e reare$ 3r the case an$ 5# !i"iting the ti"e

taen 5# c%nse! 3r ra! arg%"ents

In the !arge c%rt centres, ?%$ges engage$ in the "anage"ent an$

tria! 3 civi! rcee$ings, sh%!$ 6r in t%rns an$ a case sh%!$

nr"a!!# 5e han$!e$ n!# 5# "e"5ers 3 the sa"e tea"

A!! cases 6here a $e3ence is receive$ 6i!! 5e e4a"ine$ 5# a

Jrce$%ra! ?%$geB 6h 6i!! a!!cate the case t the arriate

trac

P%re!# rce$%ra! 6r sh%!$ 5e $e!egate$ t a senir "inisteria!

33icer, a c%rt "anager r anther ?%$icia! 33icer, 6h can tae %

this 6r n a Sat%r$a# 6ith resect t "atters !iste$ in the ens%ing

6ee )ase n%"5ers t in$icate J!itigatin start $atesB r"inent!# in

a$$itin t 3i!ing $ates

*se 3 AD' 3r civi! cases an$ !ea 5argaining 3r cri"ina! cases t

5e enhance$ an$ "nitre$ thr%gh a natin-6i$e c"%terie$

tracing s#ste"

A$?%rn"ents reeate$!# a!ie$ 3r an$ r%tine!# grante$ are the

c%rse 3 the In$ian !ega! s#ste" This "%st 5e era$icate$ A


22/34

/%$ges 6h grant reg%!ar an$ %nnecessar# a$?%rn"ents can 5e


23/34


24/34

@%a!it# ta!ent can n!# 5e attracte$ 5# 33ering

c"etitive sa!aries an$ str%ct%re$ incentives This

sha!! a!s in$irect!# ens%re e33ective ti"e

"anage"ent, e33ective %ti!iatin 3 in3rastr%ct%re an$

i"rve$ "anage"ent 3 c%rt ersnne! The

%ti!iatin 3 ti"e is i"rtant an$ e4ec%tives

ainte$ 6i!! "eas%re the %ti!iatin 3 ti"e in ter"s

3 an 5?ective criterin t n6 6hether there is

6astage

The cns%!tatin rcess has ren$ere$ itse!3

c%"5ers"e 6ith the increase in the "e"5er

strength 3 the c!!egi%" This is a ca%se 3 $e!a# in

the se!ectin an$ e!evatin 3 ?%$ges L%ci$ an$

c"rehensive g%i$e!ines sh%!$ 5e 3!!6e$ 5# the

c!!egi%" in the "atter 3 se!ectin 3 ?%$ges

)%rrent!#, there e4ist n g%i$e!ines $ea!ing 6ith

sit%atins 3 $ea$!c s%ch as !ac 3 cnsens%s

a"ng the "e"5ers 3 the )!!egi%" r $ea!ing 6ith

sit%atins 6here the "a?rit# "e"5ers 3 the)!!egi%" $isagree 6ith the )/I

The )!!egi%" sh%!$ 5e 5%n$ t a ti"e!ine t c!ear

an# 5ac-!g in vacancies

The c!!egi%" an$ the (vern"ent sh%!$ a!s 6r

han$ in han$ ainting a ?%$ge This can he! 5ri$ge

$i33erences 5et6een the t6 an$ hence avi$ $e!a# in

aint"ent The E4ec%tive an$ the Legis!at%re "%st

tae initiative in rec""en$ing the 5est ssi5!e

ta!ent 3r se!ectin t the ?%$iciar#

The (vern"ent sh%!$ a!s 5e given the 6er t

s%ggest %tstan$ing !a6#ers an$ ?%rists as /%$ges

'aising the retire"ent age 3 High )%rt /%$ges 3r"

>2 t >; #ears 6i!! a!s ai$ in e!i"inatin 3 vacancies

28


25/34

The e4isting "e"ran$%" 3 rce$%res sh%!$ have

a shrter ti"e-3ra"e t 3aci!itate the 3i!!ing % 3

5ac!g vacancies 3 /%$ges in High )%rts

Ti!! n6 vacancies in the s%5r$inate )%rts have

5een 3i!!e$ % 5# "eans 3 a c"etitive e4a"inatin

3!!6e$ 5# an intervie6 The e4isting rce$%re

sh%!$ 5e tai!re$ int a 18-6ee rgra""e $%ring

6hich a$vertise"ents, e4a"inatins, intervie6s an$

3ina! se!ectins sh%!$ 5e carrie$ %t 3r 3i!!ing %

vacancies in the s%5r$inate )%rts It is s%ggeste$

that Se!ectin )""ittees sh%!$ cnsist nt n!# 3

/%$ges, 5%t a!s !ea$ers 3 the ar an$ ther

in$een$ent cnstit%ents

The A!! In$ia /%$icia! Service, inc!%$ing an A!! In$ia

/%$icia! Service )""issin, 6hich sha!! ! int

reg%!ating aint"ent as 6e!! as trans3er 3 ?%$icia!

33icers 3 high @%a!it# in the s%5r$inate ?%$iciar#

"%st 5e e4!re$ This sha!! !gica!!# entai! a$tin

3 %ni3ie$ stan$ar$s in "atters 3 !ang%age,

trans!atin, 3r"ats an$ c%rt rce$%res


26/34

A searate ar 3r "e$iatrs, ar5itratrs an$ cnci!iatrs sh%!$ 5e

ev!ve$ 6hse si!!s in achieving negtiate$ sett!e"ents %tsi$e

!itigatin 6%!$ 5e s%5stantia!!# $i33erent

It is i"rtant t nte that @%ic $issa! as 6e!! as setting an$

achieving targets 6%!$ enc%rage 5th /%$ges an$ !a6#ers t get

3a"i!iar 6ith secia! an$ varie$ 5ranches 3 !a6 As a res%!t, )%rts

6%!$ g%arantee in$een$ent an$ 3air ?%$g"ent )are3%! an$ 6e!!

th%ght %t assign"ent 3 cases having regar$ t si!! an$

n6!e$ge 3 the s%5?ect 5# the ?%$ge cncerne$ is i"erative

This can n!# haen i3 there is a eri$ic revie6 3 er3r"ance 3

?%$ges an$ their 3a"i!iarit# 6ith $i33erent 5ranches 3 !a6


27/34

5, Leera.e ICT #e$0*olo.y a*d #ools

5,3, Crea#e a Na#io*al Arrears Grid=Da#a)ase

The W!3 'ert 3 199> e"hasie$ that the ?%$iciar# "%st generate

acc%rate ?%$icia! statistics n a $ai!# 5asis The %rse 3 the Natina!

Arrears (ri$ is t ascertain an$ ana!#e the e4act n%"5er 3 arrears in

ever# c%rt in the c%ntr#

5,3,3, Crea#io* o! #0e Grid

The NL+ sha!! %ts%rce the $eve!"ent 3 the s3t6are t

a rivate In$ian IT c"an#

5,3,4, Ma*a.eme*# o! #0e Grid

The NL+ 6i!! aint a rerting e4ec%tive 3r each High

)%rt t give 6ee!# rerts n re$%ctin 3 its resective

arrears an$ the arrears in the s%5r$inate )%rts 3a!!ing

%n$er its ?%ris$ictin

'erts 3r" the High )%rts sh%!$ cntain

the $etai!s 3 en$ing cases, inc!%$ing, inter

alia, the ca%se tit!e 3 the "atter, the #ear 3

!$g"ent, the categr# 3 the case an$ the

ne4t $ate 3 !isting

A!! cases 6hich are treate$ as arrears 6i!!

inv!ve rearatin 3 shrt 6ritten arg%"ents

an$ ti"e ta5!es t 5e 3i4e$ 5# the /%$geK)%rt

E4ec%tives Ti"e ta5!es 3r $issa!s 3 cases

6i!! a!s 5e %5!ishe$ n the Internet

The NL+ 6i!! e"!# secia!!# traine$ c"%ter e4erts,

statisticians an$ s3t6are $esigners t ens%re s"th

3%nctining 3 the (ri$ The (ri$ sh%!$ 5e in cntr! 3

statistics an$ 3%!! ti"e rarte%rs "%st 5e ainte$ 3r that

%rse

5,3,


28/34

The (ri$ 6i!! have a "a 6hich 6i!! sh6 the !catin an$

"anning 3 ever# )%rt in the c%ntr# inc!%$ing the na"e 3

the Presi$ing O33icer, the arrears 5e3re hi", as 6e!! as the

3aci!ities avai!a5!e The (ri$, 5# a rcess 3 "%t%a! an$

@%ic cns%!tatin, 6i!! 33er "5i!it# s that, 6herever

re@%ire$, strengthening is a33r$e$ t the )%rts

The (ri$ 6i!! e33icient!# "nitr the s#ste"ic 5tt!enecs

F%r e# 5tt!enecs ca%sing $e!a#s in civi! an$ cri"ina!

rcess Service 3 rcess, A$?%rn"ents, Inter!c%tr#

Or$ers, Aearance 3 6itnesses an$ acc%se$ 6i!! 5e

"nitre$ thr%gh the (ri$ an$ attentin 6i!! 5e rvi$e$

thr%gh a secia! ce!! at the High )%rt an$ District )%rt

!eve! t res!ve iss%es in cr$inatin 6ith E4ec%tive

Agencies

The (ri$, 6ith the he! 3 sci!gists, "e"5ers 3 the civi!

sciet# an$ the v!%ntar# sectr, 6i!! a!s seci3ica!!# i$enti3#

actin areas K gegrahica! areas cncerning the r an$

the %n$errivi!ege$ vis-M-vis access t ?%stice It 6i!! a#

artic%!ar attentin t ens%re that cn3i$ence 5%i!$ing taes

!ace in the $isensatin 3 ?%stice in these areas

The Natina! Arrears (ri$ 6i!! s%5"it a rert t the Pri"e

+inister n :112010 3 the ga!s achieve$ an$ the 6r

$ne ti!! that $ate

5,4, I*#e.ra#io* o! ICT i* #0e $"rre*# s$e*ario

The Presi$ing O33icers 3 )%rts 6i!! 5e given !atsreinsta!!e$ 6ith s%ita5!e s3t6are ena5!ing the" t t#e %t

@%ic an$ shrt ?%$g"ents Where necessar#, ersna!

e4ec%tives 6i!! rvi$e a$$itina! assistance

&i$e )n3erencing techn!g# sh%!$ 5e %se$ e4tensive!#

3r

a Fr cases inv!ving tra33ic 33ences r 5ai!a5!e

33ences

2


29/34

5 Fr the %rse 3 6itness testi"n# inc!%$ing

crss e4a"inatin

A "$erate$, n-!ine 6e5 $ia!g%e 5et6een !a6#ers, sitting

an$ retire$ /%$ges sh%!$ 5e !a%nche$ n in%ts 3r

re$%ctin 3 arrears, ver# si"i!ar t the


30/34

6hich are inten$e$ t 5e a$"issi5!e as evi$ence

%n$er secia! stat%tes "%st a!s 5e vi$etae$

Technica! evi$ence !ie recver# 3 "ateria! as 6e!! as

sa"!es can 5e $ne thr%gh e!ectrnic s#ste"s s

that hsti!e 6itnesses can 5e avi$e$

)hargesheets, FI', state"ents an$ ther essentia!

$c%"ents can a!s 5e 3i!e$ nt n!# in the har$ c#

3r" 5%t a!s e!ectrnica!!# ie n )DsK D&Ds

FI' sh%!$ 5e e!ectrnica!!# generate$ an$ stre$ an$

"a# 5e "a$e avai!a5!e t the c"!ainant an$ the

acc%se$, thr%gh %se 3 a ass6r$ r sec%re e#

This is 5eing ractise$ in De!hi

E4tensive %se 3 &i$e cn3erencing can 5e "a$e in

the 3!!6ing 6a#s.

a Pr$%ctin 3 acc%se$ 5e3re the

)%rts. This saves ti"e an$ "an6er

sent in transrting the acc%se$ t the

)%rt an$ in rvi$ing sec%rit# t the

acc%se$ This rce$%re a!s re$%ces

%n$%e inter3erence 5# the "e$ia

5 Pr$%ctin 3 the !ice 33icers K IOs.

St%$ies have sh6n the !ice 33icers

are %s%a!!# %navai!a5!e 5et6een 9:0

a" t :00 " an$ are %na5!e t atten$

t their reg%!ar !ice $%ties an$ are

%na5!e t ans6er s%""ns an$

articiate in )%rt rcee$ings

c &i$e cn3erencing "%st 5e "a$e

avai!a5!e 3r" the !ice statin itse!3 t

ena5!e !ice 33icers t atten$ re"an$

hearings etc

5,5, E7Co"r#s

:0


31/34

E-)%rts "ean aer!ess )%rts This s#ste" is 5eing 3!!6e$ 5# c%rts

at vari%s !eve!s in the *nite$ States, as 6e!! as 6e!! as in %r S%re"e

)%rt, th%gh 6ith !i"ite$ s%ccess T e33ective!# achieve this 5?ective,

the 3!!6ing stes are re@%ire$ t 5e carrie$ %t.

1 Paers, !ea$ings etc are 3i!e$ n-!ine

2 When a !aint r etitin is 3i!e$, it is rcesse$ 5# the

O33iceK)%rt

: The scr%tin# taes !ace n-!ine 5# the 'egistr#

8 An# $e3ects are inte$ %t n-!ine

; The etitiner can recti3# the $e3ects n-!ine

> The $ate 3 3irst hearing is c""%nicate$ n-!ine

C The aers are !ace$ 5e3re the )%rt an$ the /%$ges

have c"%ters screensK!ats

)"%ter "nitrs are avai!a5!e t !a6#ers

9 When an r$er is $ictate$ 5# the )%rt, the r$er 6i!! 5e

t#e$ n a screen The r$er 6i!! 5e rea$ 5# the )%rt

O33icerKStengraherK )%rt +aster 6h 6%!$ then

re!ease the r$er 3 the )%rt %n$er $igita! signat%res

10 A certi3ie$ har$ c# 3 the r$er can a!s 5e 5taine$11 The "ve t a aer!ess $c%"entatin s#ste" sh%!$

5e carrie$ %t 6ithin : #ears 3r the entire c%ntr#

12 Pa#"ent 3 )%rt Fee can 5e e4!re$ 6ith )%rt Fee

$e5it car$s, 6hse $etai!s are entere$ in sec%re n-!ine

transactins !ie Pa# Pa!

1: I3 the )%rt $is"isses the "atter r iss%es ntice, the

r$ers 6i!! 5e iss%e$ %n$er a sec%re $igita! signat%re

18 In case ntice is iss%e$ in a "atter, ntice 6i!! 5e iss%e$

5# e"ai!

1; Service 3 ntice 6i!! a!s 5e ssi5!e in a$$itin thr%gh

3a4, c%rier an$ registere$ st Since the Evi$ence Act

a3ter the a"en$"ent 5r%ght a5%t 5# the In3r"atin

Techn!g# Act, 2000 n6 envisages the %se 3

e!ectrnic "e$ia t trans"it $c%"ents, service 3 ntice

thr%gh e"ai! "a# 5e cnsi$ere$ t 5e va!i$ service

:1


32/34

1> The st 33ice "%st 5e !e$ as a centra! !a#er in the

"atter 3 E-)%rts There3re e"ai! service "a# 5e

atte"te$ thr%gh the st 33ice

1C The st 33ice c%!$ 5e serve$ 6ith the ntice via e-"ai!

The har$ c# can 5e rinte$ %t at the st 33ice an$

then serve$ %n the site arties The cst 3

rinting can 5e 5rne 5# the !ainti33s K etitiners

1 *n service 3 ntice 5# the st"an the st 33ice can

re!a# an e!ectrnic cn3ir"atin 3 $e!iver# receitKservice

3 ntice The In$ian Psta! Service resent!# erates a

service na"e$ Je-stB, 6here !etters are e!ectrnica!!#

trans"itte$ an$ $e!ivere$ t reciients A si"i!ar service

can a!s 5e set % 3r service 3 c%rt $c%"ents

19 When the $e3en$antKresn$ent enters %n

aearance, he can $ s n-!ine

20 The 'egistr# 6i!! scr%tinie the re!# an$ "ae it a art 3

the )%rtBs recr$

21 Si"i!ar!#, the re?in$erKa$$itina! $c%"ents 5# the

!ainti33 r the etitiner can 5e 5r%ght n recr$ n-!ine22 The $ate 3 hearing 6i!! 5e e!ectrnica!!# c""%nicate$

28 In the event the c%rt a$"its a "atter, it 6i!! a!s in$icate a

hearing sche$%!e

2; The hearing sche$%!e 6i!! $e"an$ 6ritten 5rie3s n-!ine 5# a

artic%!ar $ate

2> On the $ates seci3ie$, there sha!! 5e ra! arg%"ents 6ithin the

ti"e seci3ie$ H6ever the ti"e can 5e e4ten$e$ at the

$iscretin 3 the )%rt

2C With resect t c%rt 3ees, it is i"rtant that the# are

e!ectrnica!!# generate$ s as t avi$ 3ae sta"s The a"%nt

can 5e $esite$ t the treas%r# 3 the (vern"ent As 6ith

e!ectrnic trans"issin 3 ntices, the e!ectrnic "ne# r$er

3aci!it# 3 the In$ian Psta! Service "a# a!s 5e %se$ 3r a#"ent

3 c%rt 3ee

2 The 3!!6ing )%rts sh%!$ 5e cnverte$ int E-)%rts.-

:2


33/34

aTria! )%rts

5Ae!!ate )%rts inc!%$ing High )%rts

cS%re"e )%rt

The Techn!g# In3r"atin, Frecasting an$ Assess"ent )%nci! 3

the Deart"ent 3 Science an$ Techn!g#, (vern"ent 3 In$ia, is in

the rcess 3 %n$ertaing a r?ect in re!atin t e-c%rts, 6hich ai"s

a higher !eve! 3 inter3acing 5et6een science G techn!g# an$ the

?%$iciar# The sai$ r?ect is set t 3%nctin in a c!!a5rative "$e 6ith

the ?%$iciar#, investigating agencies, 3rensic !a5ratries an$ science

G techn!g# rganisatins

CONCLUSION

The Strategic Initiatives resente$ in this $c%"ent rvi$e a "eans 3rachieving the "a?r 5?ectives 3 the Natina! +issin 3r De!iver# 3 /%stice

an$ Lega! 'e3r" na"e!#.

increasing access 5# re$%cing $e!a# an$ arrears in the s#ste",

an$,

enhancing acc%nta5i!it# thr%gh str%ct%ra! changes an$ 5# setting

er3r"ance stan$ar$s an$ caacities

::


34/34

As s%ggeste$ 5# the HnB5!e )hie3 /%stice 3 In$ia, the 3!!6ing "a# 5e set

as the Natina! +ini"%" )%rt Per3r"ance Stan$ar$s 3r %s.

Dissa! !eve! 3 the natina! s#ste" sh%!$ 5e raise$ 3r" >0 3

tta! case !a$ as at resent t 9;-100 3 tta! case !a$ in

three #ears This target "%st 5e esta5!ishe$ at the $istrict an$ State

!eve!s

Each c%rt t ens%re that n "re than ; 3 the cases in that

c%rt sh%!$ 5e "re than ; #ears !$ ;4; r%!e 6ithin the ne4t

three #ears an$ in ; #ears, t ens%re that n "re than 1 3 the

cases sh%!$ 5e "re than 1 #ear !$ 141 r%!e

La6 is an i"rtant instr%"ent 3 scia! an$ !itica! change Fr the '%!e 3

La6 t 5e a rea!it#, an$ t "aintain the 3aith 3 sciet# in the !ega! s#ste" 3

%t c%ntr#, there is an %rgent nee$ t re$%ce the en$enc# 3 cases in

c%rts an$ a!s re$%ce the average !i3e san 3 !itigatin The ti"e 3r change

is n6

national legal mission-7nov2009

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