In Brief

This judgment addresses the pending review of compliance by High Courts with the Supreme Court's 2021 directions for expediting trials of cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The Court found most High Courts have complied, but noted a massive backlog exceeding 33 lakh cases. Rejecting a costly proposal to establish new permanent courts, the Court directed a one-year pilot study starting September 2022. Special courts across 25 high-pendency districts in five states will employ retired judicial officers as part-time judges. The courts will prioritize old cases, use online mediation and video testimony, and submit quarterly reports, aiming to test practical solutions before wider adoption.

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