Supreme Court seeks data on commercial litigation backlog across states

The Supreme Court has initiated a nationwide exercise to gather data on the volume of pending commercial litigation and existing court infrastructure in states, a move aimed at addressing the rising caseload in commercial disputes. The court issued notices directing states to ensure their participation in proceedings on a plea filed by the Indian Council of Arbitration and Business Association (ICABA), which seeks establishment of additional commercial courts.

The exercise comes as India's commercial courts continue to grapple with increasing backlogs. The data collection effort is expected to provide the Supreme Court with a clearer picture of resource gaps and infrastructure deficiencies across the judicial system at the state level.

The establishment of dedicated commercial courts has been identified as a critical measure to expedite resolution of business disputes and reduce case pendency. The Supreme Court's directive signals its commitment to strengthening the institutional framework for handling commercial litigation, which has assumed greater importance given India's expanding business and investment landscape.

State governments are expected to furnish details regarding pending commercial cases, existing court capacity, judge allocations, and infrastructure requirements. The information will form the basis for recommendations on establishing new commercial courts or enhancing existing facilities to handle the growing volume of cases more efficiently.

The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the judiciary's recognition that efficient commercial dispute resolution is vital for maintaining investor confidence and supporting economic growth in the country.