Jammu, Feb 24 Courts across Jammu and Kashmir face a backlog of 3,89,210 cases as of January, with criminal cases accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total, and over 58,000 cases lingering for five to 30 years, according to official data.
The government is actively implementing measures to address the persistent case backlog in the high courts and subordinate courts of Jammu and Kashmir, including efforts to fill judicial vacancies, as highlighted in a recent legislative response, officials said.
Among the 20 districts, Jammu has the highest backlog at 77,992 cases, with over a thousand cases pending for 15 to 30 years – more than Srinagar, which stands at 62,785.
Official data shows a backlog of 3,89,210 cases across 232 district and lower courts in Jammu and Kashmir from the past 30 years, up to January 2026.
Of this, 2,40,718 (62%) cases are criminal, while 1,48,492 are civil, with criminal cases exceeding civil disputes by over 92,000, according to the data.
The distribution by year shows that the backlog is heavily concentrated in recent filings, indicating a sustained influx of new cases. As many as 2,38,373 cases – over 60% of the total – are less than one year old. In the medium-term bracket, 36,849 cases are pending for three to five years, 25,746 for five to seven years, and 20,732 for seven to ten years.
However, legacy cases continue to pose a challenge, with 9,778 matters pending for 10-15 years, and 1,857 for 15-20 years. The data also reveals that 424 cases have been pending for 20-30 years, while 13 cases have crossed the 30-year mark, highlighting the persistence of long-standing litigation.
By district, Jammu has the highest backlog at 77,992 cases, significantly higher than Srinagar's 62,785. Together, these two districts account for nearly one-third of the Union territory's total backlog.
The district of Jammu has the highest number of aged cases, with 11 out of a total of 13 cases, followed by 238 cases pending between 20 to 30 years, 830 (15-20 years), 3,516 (10-15 years), and 13,736 cases pending between five to ten years, the data shows.
Srinagar follows with two cases pending above 30 years, followed by 96 (20-30 years), 336 (15-20 years), 1,281 (10-15 years), and 6,988 cases pending between five to ten years.
Other districts with significant pendency include Anantnag with 31,969 cases, Baramulla with 28,495, Budgam with 21,070, and Kupwara with 18,874.
In contrast, districts like Kishtwar (3,852), Reasi (6,857), Bhaderwah (7,840), and Ramban (8,060) have comparatively lower caseloads, according to the data.
Overall, the figures highlight a dual challenge for the judicial system in Jammu and Kashmir – managing a continuous surge in fresh cases while attempting to clear a significant backlog of long-pending disputes, officials said.
They emphasized that pendency is a nationwide issue, and concerted efforts are underway in the Union territory to overhaul legal handling and significantly reduce arrears, particularly in government litigation.
The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has formulated a model action plan aimed at reducing arrear pendency in the high court and district judiciary, officials said.
This aligns with broader national initiatives, including phased action plans for arrears reduction in district judiciary, such as ongoing phases targeting old cases from July 2025 onward, they added.
Officials highlighted key initiatives to minimise pendency, including continuous and regular upgrading of judicial infrastructure, computerisation of courts to streamline processes, creation of courts at various levels, and regular holding of Lok Adalats for amicable settlements through mediation and reconciliation.
"In 2024-25 alone, Lok Adalats settled as many as 8,68,414 cases, contributing substantially to pendency reduction. Steps to operationalise Dehi Adalats as village-level dispute resolution forums are being taken, apart from digitisation of court processes, which has accelerated disposal rates," they said.
For subordinate courts, out of the sanctioned strength of 339 judges, 284 are working, with 55 vacancies, they added.
"Vacancies in subordinate courts are being filled on a regular basis. Currently, the process for filling 42 posts of civil judge (Junior Division) is at the final stage, with selections being conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission," officials said.
These efforts reflect a multi-pronged strategy combining infrastructure enhancement, technology adoption, alternative dispute resolution, and timely recruitment to ensure faster justice delivery in the region, they added.