Bombay HC
Introduction
In an eye-opening admission that shines a harsh light on India’s overburdened judicial system, a judge from the Bombay High Court recently stated that he couldn't upload a judgement for six months due to an overwhelming workload. The judge went on to add that he works till 2 AM every day just to keep up. This candid revelation is not just a personal struggle — it's a reflection of the systemic challenges plaguing the Indian judiciary.
The Shocking Disclosure
During a recent court proceeding, the judge confessed:
“I couldn’t upload a judgement for six months because I am overworked. I’m working till 2 AM daily.”
Such a statement coming from the higher judiciary is rare — and deeply concerning. It exposes the human cost behind the backlog of over 5 crore pending cases in Indian courts.
Judges Are Human Too
This incident reminds us that judges are not machines. Behind every order, every verdict, and every reserved judgement lies hours — sometimes weeks — of detailed reading, hearings, and legal drafting. Yet, in many courts across the country, judges are expected to handle dozens of cases each day with minimal support staff and outdated technology.
In fact, the Bombay High Court itself has been functioning with a shortage of judges for years. According to reports, the sanctioned strength is 94 judges, but it has been functioning with less than 70 for extended periods.
Why Judgement Uploads Are Crucial
Uploading a judgement may sound like a simple clerical task — but in reality, it is a vital part of the legal process. Delayed uploads can cause uncertainty for the parties involved, hinder appeals, and even delay the execution of court orders.
In an age of digital transparency, the public expects — and deserves — timely access to court decisions. When delays stretch into months, it not only slows down justice but also dents public trust in the legal system.
The Bigger Problem: Judicial Backlog
India’s judiciary is facing an unprecedented case backlog. According to the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), as of 2025:
- Over 5 crore cases are pending across all courts.
- High Courts alone account for more than 60 lakh pending cases.
- The average judge-to-population ratio is far below the international standard.
And yet, the demands on judges keep growing.
Real Reforms Needed – Not Just Lip Service
This incident should act as a wake-up call. Instead of brushing aside such honest admissions, the legal system must look inward:
- Fill judicial vacancies on priority.
- Provide better administrative and clerical support to judges.
- Invest in legal tech infrastructure — from AI-driven case management to automated transcription.
- Introduce mental health support and reasonable work-life balance norms for judges.
Public Reaction: Mixed but Concerned
News of the judge's admission went viral on social media. While some people empathized with the judge, others criticized the delay in uploading the judgement, citing the importance of transparency and efficiency.
But one thing is clear — the public is now more aware than ever of how fragile our justice delivery system truly is.
Conclusion: Justice for Judges Too?
The saying “justice delayed is justice denied” rings true — but this delay often begins with the people meant to deliver that justice being denied support themselves. If a High Court judge has to work till 2 AM just to keep up with the workload, what hope is there for meaningful reform unless the system itself is overhauled?
Perhaps it’s time we recognize the judiciary not just as an institution of power, but also one of deep human effort — and begin treating it with the care and investment it truly deserves.
: Bombay High Court judge delay, Indian judiciary workload, judgement delay India, judicial reforms, court case backlog India, working conditions of Indian judges, pending cases in Indian courts 2025
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