Supreme Court Committee speeds up cases under Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

The Supreme Court appointed a Committee to expedite cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The Committee submitted a report, and the Amicus Curiae provided suggestions. Most High Courts issued practice directions, with some directed to do so promptly. The Union of India, High Courts, and State Governments were directed to submit suggestions on pre-summons mediation, National Portal for summons, and special courts for NI Act cases. Certain states were identified for the constitution of special courts. Further directions were set for a future date to address progress on establishing special courts and related matters.

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Issues:
1. Appointment of a Committee to facilitate the disposal of cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
2. Submission of report by the Committee and suggestions by the Amicus Curiae.
3. Issuance of practice directions by High Courts.
4. Pre-summons mediation, National Portal for summons, and establishment of special courts.
5. Submission of suggestions by Union of India, High Courts, and State Governments.
6. Identification of states for constitution of special courts.
7. Response by High Courts to the suggestion of establishing special courts.

Analysis:
1. The Supreme Court appointed a Committee on 10.03.2021 to recommend steps for expediting the disposal of cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (NI Act).
2. The Committee submitted a report, and the Amicus Curiae provided suggestions on the observations and recommendations in the report.
3. Most High Courts issued practice directions as per the Court's order, except for Madras, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Patna, and Orissa, which were directed to issue the practice directions promptly.
4. The Union of India, High Courts, and State Governments were directed to submit suggestions within two weeks on pre-summons mediation, the National Portal for summons, and the establishment of special courts for NI Act cases.
5. The Amicus Curiae identified Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan for the constitution of special courts due to a higher number of pending cases in these states.
6. The suggestion was to select five districts in each state with high NI Act cases and establish one court in each district. High Courts of the identified states were given two weeks to respond to this suggestion.
7. Further directions were listed for 12.05.2022 at 3.00 p.m. to address the progress and responses regarding the establishment of special courts and other related matters.

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