Maha CM Fadnavis launches initiative for speedy justice through disposal of pending cases

Mumbai, Jan 22 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Thursday, launched an initiative for speedy justice through disposal of lending cases.

Under the initiative, the shortcomings in the justice delivery chain are being addressed to ensure faster justice.

Priority has been accorded to speedy justice under the new criminal laws, and accordingly, pending cases in forensic science laboratories are being disposed of expeditiously, significantly accelerating the justice delivery process.

According to the government statement, Chief Minister Fadnavis has directed the launch of a special drive to immediately clear pending cases under the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories.

Through regular reviews, the Chief Minister ensured momentum in the disposal process.

In 2025, the laboratories under the Directorate had 1.81 lakh pending cases, while 2.94 lakh new cases were received.

Under the special drive, by the end of December 2025, as many as 3,96,879 cases were disposed of, reducing the number of pending cases to 79,542.

As part of this special campaign, operational standards across all departments were enhanced.

Every officer and employee of the Directorate worked extended hours — from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — and also worked on government holidays to clear the backlog.

While the available manpower had the capacity to dispose of around 2 to 2.15 lakh cases, as per the Chief Minister’s directions, 3,96,879 cases were successfully resolved.

This included the disposal of an additional 1,02,413 cases beyond the existing backlog.

By the end of December 2025, the ‘Conventional Forensic’ division alone disposed of 3,96,275 cases. The division currently has an inflow of 27,524 new cases.

From February 2026 onwards, analysis of cases will commence on the very day they are received. This will eliminate delays and ensure that the issue of long-pending cases becomes a thing of the past, enabling victims to receive justice at a much faster pace.

Pending cases in the Computer Crime, Cyber, Audio and Audio-Visual divisions are also being cleared swiftly.

With the justice delivery process gaining speed, victims will no longer have to wait for years to receive justice.

The Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories plays a crucial role in ensuring fast-track justice, the government statement said.

Recognising this, Chief Minister Fadnavis has emphasised strengthening the Directorate further.

‘Mobile Forensic Vans’ are being provided to every Sub-Divisional Police Officer office across the state.

Collectively, these measures are significantly contributing to a faster and more efficient justice delivery system.

–IANS

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