Himachal Pradesh High Court clears 35940 cases in 8 months, pushes for Tech-driven reforms
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Shimla, July 16,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has recorded major progress in judicial efficiency, technological integration, and citizen-centric reforms, with 35,940 cases disposed of between December 2024 and July 2025. This figure comes close to the 37,083 new cases filed in the same period, reflecting the Court’s determination to curb pendency despite a current shortfall of five judges.
Since January 2025, 929 cases pending for over five years have been decided, reinforcing the Court’s commitment to clearing backlog and expediting long-delayed matters. In line with directions from the Supreme Court of India, a special 90-day nationwide mediation drive titled “Mediation for the Nation” is also underway. The campaign aims to promote amicable settlements and reduce litigation load through alternative dispute resolution.
Embracing technological advancements, the Court successfully tested live streaming of proceedings in Court No. 3 in May 2025. The facility is expected to be extended to other courtrooms soon, making the judicial process more transparent and accessible to the public. Further, e-filing of tax appeals was made mandatory from March 3, 2025, supplementing the physical filing system and encouraging a shift towards paperless court operations.
The High Court is also prioritizing sensitive cases involving convicts in jail, crimes against women, sexual harassment, juveniles, and senior citizens. These matters are being tracked under a strict action plan and are receiving time-bound attention as per Supreme Court guidelines. Additionally, older cases, especially those pending for years, are being taken up on priority with special benches constituted to handle such matters in a mission-mode approach.
A comprehensive digitization project covering all pending and disposed of case records has also been launched across the High Court and the District Judiciary. This initiative is aimed at improving archival efficiency and enabling seamless access to judicial records.
To address case pendency in lower courts, a structured and multi-tiered action plan has been implemented under the supervision of the High Court. Disposal norms have been reframed and judicial officers across the state have been assigned quarterly disposal targets, which are being regularly monitored by the Registry.
These developments underscore the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s continued efforts to deliver accessible, efficient, and technology-driven justice. Through reforms and firm resolve, the institution remains committed to upholding the rule of law and meeting the evolving expectations of society.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
