The latest government data tabled in the parliament which reveals that Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have over 3.8 lakh pending cases across various courts is a grim reminder of the widening cracks in our justice delivery system. For a people grappling with socio-political challenges, economic hardship, and administrative complexities, such staggering judicial pendency undermines both the credibility and the functionality of the legal system. Justice delayed, as the adage goes, is justice denied. When cases linger in the courts for years—sometimes decades—ordinary people lose faith in the idea that the system will protect their rights or deliver timely redress. Whether it is a property dispute, a criminal matter, a civil litigation, or a service-related grievance, the sheer delay discourages people from seeking judicial intervention in the first place. For many, especially the poor and marginalized, the cost of litigation becomes unbearable over time, and they either give up or settle for unjust compromises. This crisis is not merely an administrative issue; it is a human one. Behind every delayed case lies a family waiting for justice, a victim hoping for closure, or an accused seeking a fair trial. In a place like Jammu and Kashmir, where people already live under the shadow of uncertainty, the inefficiency of the courts only compounds their sense of disenfranchisement. Several factors contribute to this alarming backlog. The judiciary in the Union Territories is critically understaffed. Courtrooms are often overwhelmed with cases, and the judge-to-population ratio remains far below the national average. Infrastructure in lower courts, especially in rural districts, is outdated or inadequate. Additionally, procedural delays, frequent adjournments, and lack of digitization further slow down the justice machinery. The consequences are far-reaching. As faith in the formal justice system wanes, people increasingly resort to informal or extrajudicial settlements, which may not uphold the rule of law or equity. In some cases, long delays in sensitive matters—like land acquisitions or criminal trials—can lead to unrest, protests, or even violence. To address this crisis, the judiciary and the executive must work in tandem. Fast-track courts should be expanded, vacant judicial posts filled without delay, and case management systems modernized through digitization. Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like mediation and Lok Adalats must be promoted aggressively to ease the burden. Justice is the cornerstone of a democratic society. In Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, restoring people’s faith in the courts is not just a legal obligation—it is a step towards healing, stability, and inclusive governance. Pendency must no longer be seen as a chronic norm, but as a crisis demanding urgent, sustained reform.