The Gujarat High Court is taking a big step to reduce the backlog of criminal appeals. Starting from July 2025, the court will hold special hearings on Saturdays. This move aims to address cases that have been pending for over a decade. Many of these appeals involve convicts who have already spent more than ten years in jail. The High Court will set up special benches for this purpose. Both Division Benches and single-judge benches will operate on these Saturdays. This means that all criminal appeals will be heard, regardless of their current status or assigned hearing dates. The court has made it clear that cases can be moved to fit Saturday sessions. Each Saturday, a cause list will be published a day in advance. This list will show which cases are scheduled to be heard. The appeals will be treated as “Targeted Matters,” highlighting their importance. However, the 100 oldest criminal appeals will still be heard every Wednesday. These appeals are part of what the court calls the “Wednesday Weekly List” (WWL). This list will continue under its current schedule. The initiative began on July 5, with nine Division Benches and three single-judge benches starting their work. The backlog of cases has been a long-standing issue for the Gujarat High Court. Many of the pending appeals have remained unresolved for over ten years. This situation creates uncertainty for both the accused and victims. By introducing Saturday hearings, the High Court aims to speed up the judicial process. The decision reflects a commitment to improving the justice system in Gujarat. The court’s initiative is expected to ease pressure on the judicial system. It shows a proactive approach to long-standing issues in the legal framework. With 5,627 criminal appeals still pending, many of these cases are crucial for delivering justice. Some of these appeals date back over 25 years. The High Court’s special benches will focus on these older cases to ensure timely resolution. The court has taken steps to ensure that the process runs smoothly. Staff members have been instructed to coordinate effectively to avoid confusion. This includes pre-listing cases to streamline the hearings. Advocates and counsels can also appear in a hybrid mode for these hearings. This means they can join either in person or virtually. The upcoming hearings will be updated regularly by the court’s Assistant Registrar or Court Master. The Gujarat High Court’s decision to hold Saturday hearings is a significant move for the legal system. It highlights the court’s dedication to addressing delays in the criminal justice process. With this new initiative, the court seeks to provide a more responsive and efficient judicial experience for all involved. The success of this plan could serve as a model for other states facing similar issues. The Gujarat High Court is setting an example of judicial efficiency and responsiveness. As the initiative unfolds, many will be watching to see its impact on the backlog of cases and the overall justice system in the state.
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