JAMMU, February 24, 2026 : Subordinate courts across Jammu and Kashmir are facing a massive backlog of 3,89,210 cases as of January 2026, with criminal matters forming nearly 62% of the total pendency, official data reveals. Among all districts, Jammu leads with 77,992 pending cases, followed by Srinagar at 62,785, together accounting for almost one-third of the Union Territory’s total caseload.
Key Findings
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Total pendency: 3,89,210 cases in 232 district and lower courts
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Criminal cases: 2,40,718
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Civil cases: 1,48,492
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Cases pending 5–30 years: Over 58,000
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Cases older than 30 years: 13
More than 60% of cases (2.38 lakh) are less than one year old, indicating a sustained influx of fresh litigation. However, legacy cases continue to strain the justice system, with 424 cases pending for 20–30 years and 1,857 cases for 15–20 years.
District-Wise Snapshot
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Jammu: 77,992 cases (highest), including 11 of 13 cases pending over 30 years
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Srinagar: 62,785 cases
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Anantnag: 31,969
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Baramulla: 28,495
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Budgam: 21,070
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Kupwara: 18,874
Districts with relatively lower pendency include Kishtwar (3,852), Reasi (6,857), Bhaderwah (7,840) and Ramban (8,060).
Steps To Reduce Pendency
The government said multiple reforms are underway in coordination with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including:
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A model action plan to reduce arrears
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Regular Lok Adalats, which settled 8,68,414 cases in 2024–25
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Expansion of judicial infrastructure and computerisation of courts
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Rollout of Dehi Adalats for village-level dispute resolution
Judicial Vacancies
Out of 339 sanctioned posts in subordinate courts, 284 judges are in position, while 55 posts remain vacant. Recruitment for 42 Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts is at the final stage through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, officials said.
Authorities acknowledged that pendency is a nationwide issue but stressed that a multi-pronged strategy—combining technology, alternative dispute resolution, infrastructure upgrades and timely recruitment—is being pursued to ensure faster justice delivery in Jammu and Kashmir.
