Anantnag, one of Jammu & Kashmir’s oldest districts, boasts a rich legacy, yet its District Court, established in 1984, grapples with overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and prolonged case pendency, undermining justice. Handling criminal, civil, MACT, and guardianship cases, the court’s chaotic conditions reflect India’s broader judicial crisis, where congestion erodes public trust.
The court’s overcrowded corridors and staircases, packed with litigants, advocates, and the accused, create a punitive atmosphere that contradicts the principle of presumed innocence. The accused endure public stigma amidst this disorder, while the lack of parking facilities turns access to justice into a logistical nightmare. These conditions disproportionately affect marginalized communities, delaying their recourse and deepening systemic inequities.
Anantnag’s court has seen progress, with Legal Aid Services introduced in 1997 and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre in 2011. Yet, these measures cannot cope with the rising caseload. India’s judiciary faces over 50 million pending cases, with district courts like Anantnag bearing the brunt. A 2024 New York Times report projects a 300-year backlog, with 77% of prisoners awaiting trial. In Anantnag, cases pending over a year—often complex criminal or civil disputes—languish, intensifying injustice. A 2024 Greater Kashmir article noted plans for a new court complex in Sarnal, featuring ten courtrooms and 300 lawyers’ chambers. However, Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan emphasized that this may not suffice given Anantnag’s growing population.
The district’s historical significance demands a modern administrative and court complex to replace the outdated, cramped facilities. Fast-tracking cases pending over a year, through dedicated benches or expedited hearings, is critical to reducing backlog and restoring faith in justice. The government, responsible for 50% of cases, must increase judicial funding—currently a paltry 0.08-0.09% of GDP—and adopt robust case management systems. Anantnag’s court must evolve from a symbol of systemic failure into a beacon of timely, equitable justice, reflecting the district’s proud heritage.
