Pendency of 8,82,578 execution petitions is alarming - Directions issued
Supreme Court Mandates Expeditious Disposal of Execution Petitions to Combat Alarming Delays. Supreme Court directs High Courts to ensure execution petitions are resolved within six months, with Karnataka High Court under scrutiny for non-compliance.
In a landmark directive issued by the Supreme Court of India, all High Courts across the nation have been instructed to expedite the disposal of execution petitions lingering in the district judiciary. The judgment, passed by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal, highlights the alarming backlog of 8,82,578 execution petitions nationwide, underscoring the urgent need for efficient judicial administration.
The court's decision, dated October 16, 2025, mandates that High Courts collect data from their district judiciary on pending execution petitions and ensure their resolution within six months. This step aims to prevent the undue delays that compromise the effective administration of justice. Failure to adhere to this timeline will result in the presiding officers being answerable to their respective High Courts.
The judgment emphasizes the importance of swift execution of decrees, noting that prolonged delays make the judicial process meaningless and equate to a travesty of justice. The court has also set a follow-up date for April 10, 2026, when it expects comprehensive progress reports from all High Courts regarding the status of execution petitions.
Despite the clear directives, the Karnataka High Court has failed to submit the required data, prompting the Supreme Court to issue a reminder and demand an explanation from the Registrar General of the High Court. The court has granted a two-week period for this explanation, highlighting the urgency of compliance.
Since the initial directive on March 6, 2025, 3,38,685 execution petitions have been resolved, yet the backlog remains significant. The Supreme Court's latest order seeks further improvement and accountability from the judicial system, urging High Courts to develop procedures for effective and prompt disposal of pending petitions.
The Supreme Court's intervention reflects its commitment to ensuring that justice is not only served but also timely executed, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the Indian judicial system.
Statutory provision(s): Civil Procedure Code, 1908
Periyammal (Dead) v. V. Rajamani, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2796146
