Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Delhi Courts Struggle with Prosecutor Shortage, Hinder Hearings
Imagine courts need lawyers to represent the government, but many positions are empty.
Delhi's courts are missing about half of their public prosecutors.
This means cases get delayed because the lawyers are spread too thin, sometimes missing important hearings.
The High Court wants the government to hire temporary lawyers to fix the problem so cases can proceed without delays.
Delhi's trial courts are operating with only half the required public prosecutors, according to data.
The Delhi High Court directed the government to make temporary appointments to ensure courts function smoothly.
The Delhi Prosecutors Welfare Association (DPWA) revealed only 257 of 507 sanctioned posts are filled.
There are shortages across different prosecutor roles, including Assistant Public Prosecutors.
Prosecutors report inefficiencies, including delayed hearings and unexamined witnesses, due to the shortage.
- Who
- Delhi government, public prosecutors, and the Delhi High Court.
- What
- Delhi's trial courts face a shortage of public prosecutors, impacting court proceedings.
- When
- Data was recently accessed by The Indian Express, and the High Court directed action a week prior.
- Where
- Delhi's trial courts.
- Why
- Shortage of prosecutors causes delays in court proceedings and inefficient use of resources.
Court efficiency advocates
No Opposing Viewpoint
Impact on Court proceedings
Court efficiency advocates
The shortage causes delays and inefficiencies within the court system. The High Court has expressed concerns about this shortage.
No Opposing Viewpoint
No opposing viewpoint was found in the provided articles.
- Filled Prosecutor Posts
- 257 of 507 (50.6%)
- Assistant Public Prosecutors
- 165 for 181 magistrate courts
- Additional Public Prosecutors
- 131 filled
- Sessions Court Judges
- 155
- Shortage Impact
- Delayed hearings, unexamined witnesses