Capt. Yogesh Shah, Indian Maritime University
1. Introduction:
The maxim "Justice delayed is justice denied" succinctly captures the profound notion that when legal proceedings are protracted and fail to yield timely resolutions, the core principles of justice are undermined, effectively rendering justice impotent1. This adage takes on heightened significance within the realm of the Indian judicial system, where an alarming prevalence of case delays has led to the erosion of public faith in the efficacy of the legal machinery. In this introductory section, the paper not only introduces the central theme of delayed justice but also underscores the gravity of the issue within the Indian context.
The Indian judicial landscape has grappled with a staggering accumulation of pending cases, leading to inordinate delays in their disposal.2 The phrase "Justice delayed is justice denied" resonates powerfully due to the stark incongruity between the expectations of litigants and the actual dispensation of justice. A central premise of the Indian legal system is to ensure fairness, equality, and the protection of rights.3 However, the extensive backlogs and protracted timelines witnessed across various tiers of the judiciary threaten to negate these foundational principles. Consequently, this paper embarks on an in-depth analysis to comprehend the causes that have culminated in such delays, their far-reaching implications, and potential pathways to rectify the situation.
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