Guwahati, July 22: Assam’s Law and Justice Minister Sushant Borgohain informed the state assembly during the ongoing monsoon session that over 5.7 million cases are pending in the state’s courts, with 40 judicial positions currently unfilled.
In response to a question from senior Congress MLA Zakir Hussain Sikdar, Minister Borgohain stated that Assam has an approved strength of 486 judicial officers, of which 446 positions are occupied, leaving 40 vacancies. The minister assured the assembly that the process to fill these vacancies is underway.
He also highlighted that some courts remain inactive due to inadequate infrastructure, impacting the judicial system’s operations in certain areas.
According to official data presented in the assembly, as of May 31, 2026, the total number of pending cases across the state’s courts stood at 575,541. This includes 114,296 civil cases and 461,245 criminal cases.
The state government shared details on the cases resolved by subordinate courts over the past five years. In 2021, courts settled 35,536 civil cases and 146,810 criminal cases. This number increased in 2022 to 45,184 civil and 226,175 criminal cases, and in 2023, it reached 45,555 civil and 327,728 criminal cases. In 2024, subordinate courts resolved 50,483 civil and 233,399 criminal cases, while in 2025, they handled 53,348 civil and 195,636 criminal cases.
Borgohain informed the assembly that Assam currently has 40 fast-track courts and six special courts, but no commercial court exists in the state.
The minister noted that the state government has implemented several measures to expedite cases involving women and children. These initiatives include the 181 women helpline, Sakhi One Stop Centre, POCSO courts, child-friendly police centers, the baby-friendly helpline, and the e-court project.
He also reported that Lok Adalats have resolved 571,226 cases in the past five years, contributing to a reduction in judicial backlog.
As of July 13, 2026, there are 7,904 undertrial prisoners in Assam, including 1,049 who have been awaiting trial for an extended period.
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