Assam Courts Face Backlog of 5.75 Lakh Pending Cases

Guwahati: Assam courts are drowning in work. The state government told the Assembly on Tuesday, July 21, that 5,75,541 cases remain stuck in the system as of May 31, 2026. Criminal matters make up the bulk of the pile at 4,61,245 cases, while civil disputes account for 1,14,296.

Staffing shortages aggravate the backlog. Out of 486 sanctioned judicial posts, 40 seats are empty. Law and Justice Minister Sushanta Borgohain stated, "The process to fill the remaining vacancies is underway." Poor infrastructure leaves some courtrooms sitting empty and non-functional.

Disposal rates fluctuate yearly. In 2021, courts cleared 182,346 total cases. By 2023, that number spiked to 373,283. Last year, courts resolved 53,348 civil and 195,636 criminal files. Lok Adalats have helped clear the path by resolving 5,71,226 cases over the last five years.

The state currently runs 40 Fast Track Courts and six Special Courts, though zero commercial courts exist. Officials hope to move faster on cases involving women and children through the 181 Women Helpline, Sakhi One Stop Centres, POCSO Courts, and the e-Courts Project. As of July 13, 2026, the state holds 7,904 undertrial prisoners. Of those, 1,049 people have waited for trial for extended periods.