145;Need to adopt a multi-dimensional approach146;

Justice Thakur was addressing the inaugural session of the 1st North Zone Regional Workshop on 8216;Planning and Management for Timely Justice8217; organised by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh Judicial Academy, and National Judicial Academy, Bhopal.

He said the number of cases pending in the subordinate courts and district courts had risen to Rs 2.60 crore and those pending in the High Courts were more than Rs 38 lakh. 8220;It is very disturbing that even though the government and the judiciary have increased the strength of the judges, established permanent Lok Adalats, promoted alternative disputes redressal mechanisms, established mediation and conciliation centres and reformed the procedural laws applicable to adjudication of disputes, the back log of cases has increased every year,8217;8217; he said.

He said no single step, reform or measure can help wipe out the arrears and ensure disposal of cases within a reasonable time frame. 8220;Pressure of work is so great that the judges need to be trained not only to cope with the volume of work but also diversity arising from the proliferation of laws that the courts are called upon to enforce and administer,8217;8217; he said.

He said the National Judicial Academy has identified key management areas to enhance productivity of the courts. He hoped the workshop would help the participants in understanding the nature of the problem and the causes that impede productivity. Justice Mehtab S Gill also addressed the participants.Justice Mahesh grover also addressed the technical session.