Agartala: Jan 10: In a recent disclosure during the winter session of the 13th Legislative Assembly, Law Minister and Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha revealed that there are currently 50,268 pending cases in various courts across Tripura. This includes 13,108 civil cases and 37,160 criminal cases. Among these, 809 civil and 136 criminal cases are pending in the High Court, while 12,299 civil and 37,024 criminal cases are pending in the lower courts.
Of particular concern is the backlog of 429 rape cases, with 28 pending in the High Court and 401 in the lower courts. Over the past three years, only 149 rape cases have been resolved, with 14 decided in the High Court and 135 in the lower courts. In 2021, 14 cases were resolved in the High Court and 91 in the lower courts, totaling 105 cases. In 2022, 14 cases were resolved in the High Court and 172 in the lower courts, totaling 186 cases. In 2023, 22 cases were resolved in the High Court and 204 in the lower courts, totaling 226 cases.
The data also revealed that as of November 25th, 25 accused individuals have been convicted in these cases, with 6 convictions in the High Court and 19 in the lower courts. In 2021, 7 accused were convicted in the High Court and 13 in the lower courts, totaling 20 convictions. In 2022, 7 accused were convicted in the High Court and 20 in the lower courts, totaling 27 convictions. In 2023, 13 accused were convicted in the High Court and 40 in the lower courts, totaling 53 convictions.
The backlog of cases, particularly those involving serious crimes such as rape, highlights the need for judicial reforms and increased efficiency in the state’s legal system.
