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Case scheduling system for enhanced judicial performance

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  • Gupta, Maansi
  • Bolia, Nomesh B.

Abstract

A timely resolution of cases is an essential requirement of a judicial system. Avoidable delays in pronouncing judgements by courts can lead to public losing faith in the country's justice system. Judges in Indian courts are overburdened with cases that lead to delayed delivery of justice. The current study develops a framework to determine an optimum schedule of case hearings. The framework consists of mathematical models that aim to maximize the number of cases disposed during the planning horizon and minimize the duration of cases. The models can help judges enhance cases disposed through an improved utilization of their hearing time and prioritization of cases that need urgent attention. The framework is empirically tested for cases assigned to a judge in a district court in Delhi, India. Results from various scenarios indicate that the judicial performance can be improved as demonstrated by an increase in the number of cases resolved and reduction in the average duration of cases. We also determine the judicial output if the courts adopt a first-come, first-served approach wherein the older cases are scheduled first. Our models perform better compared to this approach as well, supporting the implementation of an optimized case scheduling system for enhanced judicial performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Gupta, Maansi & Bolia, Nomesh B., 2026. "Case scheduling system for enhanced judicial performance," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:103:y:2026:i:c:s0038012125001995
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2025.102350
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    JEL classification:

    • C44 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Operations Research; Statistical Decision Theory
    • C60 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - General
    • K00 - Law and Economics - - General - - - General (including Data Sources and Description)
    • K40 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - General

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