Whalesbook
Lawyers' Actions Fuel Judicial Delays
Supreme Court Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah said Saturday that blaming only judges for India's massive case backlog is too simple. He argued that how lawyers conduct themselves greatly impacts the justice system's speed.
Justice Amanullah described the huge pressure on judges. Trial court judges often handle 400 to 500 cases daily, with High Court judges managing even more. He stressed that while judges have set working hours, the pace of resolving cases often depends on lawyers.
Why Lawyers' Arguments Cause Delays
Judges must listen to all arguments, even if they seem repetitive or overly long. Justice Amanullah noted that judges can step in to stop wasted time, but they cannot simply dismiss an argument because it lacks clarity, as lawyers need the freedom to make their case. This necessity, he indicated, is a major source of delays.
Speaking at the 5th ICA International Conference on Arbitration, Justice Amanullah urged the legal profession to look inward. He suggested that expecting judges to be exceptionally brilliant might backfire, as neutrality and an open mind are crucial for fair hearings. The real focus, he said, should be on lawyers improving how they manage cases.