Faster Justice Through Clearance of Pending Cases, Says Maharashtra Government

Mumbai, January 2026: The state government is working on the principle of “Justice for All, Speedy Justice.” Under the initiative and guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, gaps in the justice delivery chain are being systematically addressed to ensure faster justice. Priority has been given to speedy disposal under the new criminal laws, leading to the clearance of long-pending cases in forensic science laboratories. As a result, the overall justice delivery process has significantly accelerated.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the launch of a special drive to immediately dispose of pending cases under the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories. He also conducted regular reviews to fast-track the disposal process. At the beginning of 2025, forensic laboratories under the Directorate had 1.81 lakh pending cases, while 2.94 lakh new cases were received during the year. Through the special drive, by the end of December 2025, the Directorate successfully disposed of 3,96,879 cases, reducing the number of pending cases to 79,542.

Under this special campaign, productivity norms across all departments were enhanced. Officers and staff worked extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including on government holidays, to clear the backlog. While the existing workforce had the capacity to dispose of around 2 to 2.15 lakh cases, the intensified efforts led to the disposal of 3,96,879 cases, exceeding expectations. Notably, the Directorate succeeded in clearing 1,02,413 more cases than the total number pending.

By December 2025, the Conventional Forensics Department alone disposed of 3,96,275 cases. With 27,524 new cases currently under this department, a new system will be implemented from February 2026, ensuring that analysis begins on the very day a case is received. This initiative aims to eliminate delays and ensure swift justice for victims. Similar rapid progress is being made in clearing pending cases in the computer crimes, cyber, audio, and video forensics departments.

With the justice process becoming faster, victims will no longer have to wait for years to receive justice. The Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories plays a crucial role in expediting justice delivery. Recognising this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasised strengthening the Directorate further. As part of these efforts, mobile forensic vans are being provided to every Sub-Divisional Police Officer’s office across the state. Collectively, these measures are helping to significantly accelerate the justice delivery system.