Justice Delayed is Justice Denied: Delhi LG Orders End to Avoidable Adjournments
Delhi LG Sardar TS Sandhu directs the Directorate of Prosecution to reduce adjournments and speed up trials to tackle mounting case pendency.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar TS Sandhu has issued a stern directive to the Directorate of Prosecution, GNCTD, demanding an immediate crackdown on avoidable adjournments and a streamlined process for the production of witnesses. During a high-level review meeting held on Monday, the LG expressed grave concern over the slow pace of case disposals, low conviction rates, and the staggering volume of pending trials in the national capital.
Tackling the Mountain of Pending Cases
The scale of the judicial backlog in Delhi is immense. As of September 30, 2026, data revealed that 3,02,477 trial cases were pending across district courts. This includes 2,54,597 cases in Magistrate Courts and 47,880 in Sessions Courts.
Emphasizing that "justice delayed cannot become justice denied," the LG insisted that every avoidable lapse must be addressed with urgency. He called for stronger accountability, directing officials to analyze acquittals to identify prosecutorial failures and take corrective measures. It was noted that a standing committee has already examined 64,210 cases across 34 meetings since August 2014 to pinpoint mistakes in investigation and prosecution.
Leveraging BNSS 2023 and Technology
The LG highlighted that the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, provides unprecedented powers to strengthen the prosecution. He urged officials to utilize the specific timelines for investigation mandated by the new law and to upgrade the overall structure of the Prosecution Directorate.
To accelerate the legal process, the LG proposed several tech-driven and procedural shifts:
- Trial in Absentia: Implementing this for eligible cases to prevent delays caused by missing accused persons.
- Digital Integration: Promoting the use of electronic records, digital case tracking, and video-conferencing.
- Forensic Coordination: Ensuring closer cooperation between prosecutors, the Delhi Police, and forensic laboratories.
- Specialized Training: Training prosecutors on electronic evidence, forensic investigation, and the nuances of the new criminal laws.
The Crisis of Overburdened Prosecutors
The review meeting brought to light a critical shortage of manpower and infrastructure. The caseload for prosecutors in Delhi has reached alarming levels, particularly in the Rohini courts.
The Numbers Game:
- Sessions Courts: 155 Public Prosecutors and Additional Public Prosecutors handle an average of 309 cases each, with the load peaking at 627 in Rohini.
- Magistrate Courts: 126 Additional and Assistant Public Prosecutors handle an average of 2,021 cases each, soaring to 3,065 in Rohini.
This pressure is exacerbated by vacancies. Out of 507 sanctioned posts for prosecutors, 216 remain vacant. Additionally, 42 out of 71 supporting staff positions are unfilled. The Directorate also reported a severe lack of courtroom spaces, prosecutors' chambers, and record rooms.
Roadmap for Recovery
To address the staffing crisis, the LG stated he would engage with the UPSC and the PWD to expedite appointments and infrastructure development. Currently, the UPSC has advertised 140 Assistant Public Prosecutor posts, while the Directorate has advertised 50 contract posts and is seeking 32 Additional Public Prosecutors on deputation.
Furthermore, recruitment rules are being submitted for 40 new posts of Deputy Director and Assistant Director created under the BNSS. The LG concluded by demanding priority for cases involving women and children and ensuring effective communication with victims throughout the legal process.