HP High Court Claims Progress in Disposal of Cases — But Litigants Still Struggle with 'NR' Tag and Endless Dates
Shimla, July 16:
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has patted itself on the back for achieving what it terms a “significant momentum” in judicial functioning, boasting disposal of 35,940 cases between December 2024 and July 2025.
But while the statistics show an uptick in performance, litigants continue to face the same old problem — cases getting listed, but not heard.
Between January and July 2025, 929 cases that were over five years old were finally decided.
The Court’s Registry calls it a step towards “clearing backlog and enhancing judicial efficiency,” despite being five judges short of full strength.
However, many lawyers and litigants say a key bottleneck remains unaddressed — the routine non-hearing of cases marked as NR or non-reachable.
“Cases are listed, dates are given, but when the day comes, they don’t get heard.
The status simply shows NR, and then the matter is pushed to another date,” said a senior High Court advocate who didn’t wish to be named. “This cycle continues for months. Where’s the justice in that?”
The Court, meanwhile, is pushing a slew of reforms: compulsory e-filing for tax appeals from March 2025, a live streaming pilot in Court No. 3 (tested in May), a 90-day nationwide mediation campaign, and fast-tracking of old and sensitive cases including those involving undertrials, women, senior citizens and juveniles.
Digitization of all case records, pending and disposed, is also underway.
“The Hon’ble High Court is actively working towards making justice delivery system more accessible and efficient,” said the Court’s official spokesperson.
“We are streamlining listings, especially for long-pending cases. Cases involving undertrials and vulnerable groups are being monitored under a strict action plan in line with Supreme Court directives.”
Yet, the ground reality remains grim for those whose cases are repeatedly listed but not heard. Critics argue that unless the NR problem is tackled head-on, the impact of all other reforms will be diluted.
“What’s the point of listing if the case isn’t even called out? The system needs a rule that ensures if a case isn't heard on the allotted day, it must get a priority slot in the next list,” said a litigant from Shimla whose case has been pending for over three years due to repeated non-reachability.
The High Court claims it has framed new “Disposal Norms” and revised quarterly targets for Judicial Officers across districts. Special Benches are also being constituted to clear long-pending matters.
But legal observers feel until accountability is fixed on why cases go NR, the reforms will remain half-baked.
As one retired judge put it: “Justice delayed is not just justice denied anymore — it's becoming justice deferred on a technicality.”
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