In a decisive move aimed at tackling case backlogs and improving efficiency at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday introduced a set of listing reforms barely a week into his tenure. These measures are designed to ensure that urgent cases—particularly those affecting personal liberty—are heard promptly, while curbing unnecessary delays in long-pending matters.

Under the new system, all fresh cases relating to urgent matters such as regular or anticipatory bail, cancellation of bail, habeas corpus petitions, death penalty cases, eviction, dispossession, demolition, and other urgent interim relief will be listed for hearing within two working days of filing. The reforms require that such cases be verified and cleared by the registry for listing. In exceptional situations, lawyers can also request same-day hearings by making an urgent mention to the registrar half an hour before the court assembles at 10:30 am.

The reforms, effective from Monday, are outlined in four administrative orders aimed at eliminating the long-standing practice of lawyers standing in queue to mention cases before the CJI, who is the master of roster. By streamlining the listing process, the reforms intend to minimize bureaucratic delays and optimize court time, particularly for matters impacting personal liberty or requiring urgent intervention.

For bail petitions, the reforms introduce an additional requirement: the lawyer filing the petition must serve an advance copy to the counsel representing the Union, state, or Union Territory government. This step is intended to ensure that the opposing side has adequate time to respond, thereby facilitating a smoother and faster hearing process.

CJI Kant has also imposed a strict policy on adjournments for older cases. Matters listed on “Regular Hearing” days—Wednesdays and Thursdays—will no longer be granted adjournments. The circular explicitly states that letters seeking adjournment for such cases will not be entertained. This measure is aimed at addressing decades-old pending matters and discouraging unnecessary delays, ensuring that long-standing disputes finally reach resolution.

The reforms build upon a practice introduced by former CJI B.R. Gavai, who had barred senior advocates from making urgent mentions, encouraging junior lawyers to take the lead in such cases. Under CJI Kant, this rule now applies across all courts in the Supreme Court, ensuring wider participation and reducing dependence on senior counsel for case mentions.

CJI Kant had earlier identified case pendency and mediation as his primary areas of focus. Speaking to Hindustan Times on November 22, he expressed concern that pending cases in the top court had crossed 90,000, emphasizing the need for foresight and structured action to address the backlog. “One of my foremost challenges is the arrears in the Supreme Court. Today’s scoreboard shows nearly 90,000 cases pending. I don’t know the reason whether listing is poor or matters are multiplying. But what matters is the arrear and the foresight. My goal is optimum utilisation of force,” he said.

The CJI further underlined that his priority would be to identify old and pending matters, ensure benches are constituted, and see that they are decided promptly. By doing so, he aims to bring relief to litigants waiting for years for the disposal of their cases, while also promoting the efficient functioning of the Supreme Court.

By implementing these reforms, CJI Kant hopes to strike a balance between speed and fairness, particularly in matters affecting personal liberty and urgent interim relief. The measures are expected to significantly reduce the time taken to list and hear fresh cases while ensuring that long-pending matters are finally addressed, thereby restoring public confidence in the judicial process.

In addition to procedural streamlining, the reforms also highlight a broader commitment to institutional efficiency. By delegating urgent mentions to junior lawyers, minimizing adjournments, and enforcing advance notice requirements for government counsel, the Supreme Court aims to create a culture of accountability and promptness in legal proceedings.

The move comes at a time when the judiciary faces mounting pressure to clear the backlog of cases, which has grown substantially in recent years due to increasing litigation and complex legal issues. Legal experts have welcomed the reforms as a pragmatic approach that could serve as a model for procedural efficiency in other high courts across the country.

CJI Kant’s approach reflects a proactive and administrative mindset, recognizing that judicial delays not only hinder access to justice but also erode public trust in the legal system. By focusing on effective listing, expeditious hearing of urgent matters, and elimination of avoidable adjournments, the Supreme Court under his leadership seeks to ensure timely justice for all parties involved.

The Supreme Court registry and legal fraternity are now preparing to implement the reforms starting Monday. Lawyers and litigants will be closely observing how the changes affect case management, particularly in urgent matters like bail and habeas corpus petitions, which have historically faced significant delays.

CJI Surya Kant’s reforms signal a decisive effort to modernize court administration, reduce pendency, and uphold the principle that justice delayed is justice denied. By leveraging administrative powers and encouraging disciplined practices among lawyers, the Supreme Court aims to enhance its efficiency while maintaining fairness, accessibility, and responsiveness to citizens’ urgent legal needs.

These reforms mark a significant step in the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to enhance procedural efficiency and ensure that both fresh and long-standing matters receive the attention they deserve, ultimately strengthening the rule of law and the delivery of justice in India.