The government Wednesday said that 65,661 cases were pending in the Supreme Court until Dec 1.
Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal also told the Lok Sabha that 4,434,191 cases were pending in all the 21 high courts of the country.
"Delay in disposal of cases affects all sections of (the) society. In order to expedite the trial of court cases, legislative changes have been made in procedural laws which include provisions for limiting adjournments of court proceedings in criminal and civil matters," said Sibal.
He said the government had set up the National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms to achieve the twin goals of increasing access to justice by reducing delays and arrears.
This would also enhance accountability through structural changes and by setting performance standards and improving capacities.