New Delhi: India’s judicial system continues to grapple with a severe shortage of judges, with only 22 judges available per million citizens, far below the recommended level for effective and timely justice. The Ministry of Law and Justice notes that this shortfall underscores structural challenges in the courts, from the Supreme Court to the district level.
The figure is based on the Census 2011 population of 1.21 billion and the number of judges sanctioned across the Supreme Court, High Courts, and District and Subordinate Courts as projected for 2026. Currently, the Supreme Court has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges, with 33 serving. The High Courts are authorized 1,122 judges, yet only 814 are in office, highlighting significant vacancies. At the district and subordinate levels, 20,833 judges manage the bulk of India’s litigation.
The Law Commission of India, in its 120th report, recommended a judge-to-population ratio of 50 judges per million to ensure effective case management and reduce delays. India’s current ratio remains less than half of this target, reflecting persistent systemic challenges.
The judicial backlog has tangible consequences. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 389,910 undertrial prisoners in 2023, illustrating the human cost of delayed justice. Government officials emphasize that case pendency arises from multiple factors, including complex evidence, procedural delays, limited cooperation from witnesses or investigation agencies, and insufficient court infrastructure and staff.
To address these challenges, the Central Government has launched several initiatives aimed at speeding up judicial processes. Key measures include the e-Courts Mission Mode Project, which leverages technology to improve access, efficiency, and transparency, and the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for the Judiciary, providing financial support to states and union territories for court modernization and expansion.
On appointments, the Law Minister reported that between 2018 and January 23, 2026, 847 judges were appointed across various courts. This included 33 from Scheduled Castes, 17 from Scheduled Tribes, 104 from Other Backward Classes, 46 from minority communities, and 130 women judges in High Courts, reflecting gradual progress toward greater diversity and representation on the bench.
Experts argue that while these steps are positive, India’s judicial system remains under tremendous pressure, and meeting the recommended judge-to-population ratio is critical to ensure the right to speedy justice under Article 21 of the Constitution. Without further appointments and infrastructure development, court delays and pendency are likely to continue, affecting millions of citizens across the country.