Advocate Rapolu Bhaskar, in his representation, has raised significant concerns regarding the extensive vacation periods observed by courts, which have become a major contributor to delays in the judicial process. With the Indian judicial system already burdened with a staggering backlog of cases, Bhaskar stressed that the current duration of court vacations only exacerbates the issue, leading to longer delays in the delivery of justice. The long summer, winter, and other breaks observed by courts result in several months each year where the judicial process is at a standstill, hindering the progress of cases that require immediate attention.
Bhaskar highlighted that such delays not only create obstacles for the litigants but also undermine public trust in the judicial system. Delays in delivering judgments or passing orders, especially in urgent matters like bail applications, interim orders, or public interest cases, negatively impact the lives of those seeking justice. Litigants, many of whom belong to economically disadvantaged sections of society, often face severe consequences due to these delays. Bhaskar pointed out that the current system leads to prolonged legal battles, which increases the financial and emotional burden on individuals who are already struggling with poverty or distress.
In his representation, Bhaskar emphasized that a large number of cases, particularly those concerning the rights and welfare of vulnerable groups such as women, children, and marginalized communities, remain unresolved for extended periods due to the seasonal court holidays. Such delays prevent timely access to justice, further aggravating the plight of individuals in urgent need of legal recourse. The prolonged duration of vacations also delays critical decisions that can impact the enforcement of fundamental rights, particularly in cases of social justice and human rights violations.
To address these concerns, Bhaskar proposed practical and effective measures aimed at reducing the negative impact of court vacations. One key suggestion was reducing the length of these vacation periods, especially during the summer and winter breaks. He advocated for a balanced approach that ensures that the courts remain operational throughout the year, thus increasing the number of working days for judges, litigants, and legal professionals. This would significantly reduce the overall time required to dispose of pending cases, ensuring that justice is delivered in a more timely manner.
Another suggestion from Bhaskar was the introduction of a rotational vacation system for judges and court staff, ensuring that judicial work continues even during peak vacation periods. This system would help maintain a consistent workflow throughout the year, with courtrooms continuing to hear cases while judges and staff members take their breaks in a staggered manner. This approach, already in use in some countries, ensures that the judicial process does not experience prolonged interruptions due to vacations.
Bhaskar also recommended that special benches be set up to hear urgent matters during vacation periods. These benches could focus on matters requiring immediate attention, such as bail applications, habeas corpus petitions, or other urgent cases that cannot wait until the court reconvenes. This would ensure that the most critical cases are addressed promptly, even during times when the full court is not functioning.
Furthermore, Bhaskar proposed that technology play a crucial role in mitigating delays. He emphasized that the integration of virtual court hearings and digital case management systems could allow for continued judicial proceedings even when courts are technically on vacation. Virtual platforms could facilitate hearings for urgent matters, providing an accessible and efficient means to expedite case resolutions without the need for physical presence.
Bhaskar also underscored the importance of maintaining the well-being of judges and court staff while reducing vacations. He acknowledged the need for rest and rejuvenation for the judiciary, but suggested that alternative solutions, such as shorter, rotational leaves and wellness programs, could allow for better work-life balance without disrupting the flow of legal proceedings. These changes would ensure that the judiciary is not overburdened and can continue to function efficiently throughout the year.
In conclusion, Bhaskar’s representation strongly advocates for judicial reforms aimed at reducing the duration of court vacations and enhancing the efficiency of the legal system. By adopting these measures, Bhaskar argued, the judicial system would not only be able to reduce the backlog of cases but also provide quicker and more equitable access to justice for all. He urged the authorities to consider the urgency of this reform, emphasizing that timely justice is essential to uphold the rule of law and the rights of all citizens.