The Union Government plans to introduce evening courts on a pilot basis in Delhi, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to expedite the disposal of pending cases.

Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the proposal in an interview with The New Indian Express. Under the proposed arrangement, existing courts will extend their regular daytime sittings by a few additional hours into the evening to hear pending matters. The Centre also intends to engage retired judges to preside over these sessions, in coordination with the respective High Courts.

The pilot project is expected to begin shortly. Its performance will be assessed before the government considers extending the initiative to other States and Union Territories.

Shree Meghwal also highlighted the government’s focus on Lok Adalats, alternative dispute resolution and pre-mediation to reduce the burden on regular courts.