The Supreme Court has strongly criticized High Courts across the country after learning that over 8.8 lakh execution petitions remain pending despite its earlier orders to speed up their disposal.
A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal expressed displeasure, calling the situation &ldquo;highly disappointing&rdquo; and warning that such delays undermine the very purpose of securing justice. &ldquo;If it is going to take years and years to execute the decree, then it makes no sense and would be nothing short of travesty of justice,&rdquo; the Bench observed.
According to the data presented before the Court, 3.38 lakh petitions have been resolved since March this year. However, the overall backlog remains alarming. Maharashtra tops the list with over 3.4 lakh pending cases, followed by Tamil Nadu with more than 86,000 and Kerala with nearly 83,000. Other states include Andhra Pradesh with around 68,000 and Uttar Pradesh with more than 27,000 pending petitions.
Earlier, in a landmark order involving a four-decade-old property dispute, the Supreme Court had directed High Courts to ensure execution petitions are cleared within six months. It also warned that judicial officers failing to comply would face accountability measures.
The Bench noted that the Karnataka High Court failed to submit any data despite clear directions. It has now ordered the Registrar General to provide an explanation within two weeks. &ldquo;The Registrar General of the High Court of Karnataka owes an explanation why he has failed to provide us with the necessary information,&rdquo; the Bench said.
The Court has extended the deadline for compliance by six months and directed all High Courts to monitor their district judiciary more rigorously. It also urged them to create efficient mechanisms for quick enforcement of decrees to prevent prolonged delays.
The Bench reiterated that justice delayed after a decree is justice denied, and that failure to execute decrees in a reasonable timeframe erodes public trust in the judicial system.
The matter has now been listed for further monitoring on April 10, 2026, by which time all High Courts must submit updated figures on pending and disposed execution petitions.

SC slams HCs over 8.8 lakh pending execution cases

Supreme Court calls huge backlog “alarming,” warns delays turn justice into a farce

SC slams HCs over 8.8 lakh pending execution cases

Supreme Court calls huge backlog “alarming,” warns delays turn justice into a farce

October 19, 2025 | 11:55 IST