It is scary that more than 7.95 lakh execution petitions are pending for more than 6 months

Bureau Prayagraj- The Supreme Court recently found that there are around 8 lakh execution petitions pending across the country, which are more than six months old. described the situation as “very scary and disappointing”. The court said, “As on date, the situation seems very scary and depressing. We are saying this because as on date, there are 7,95,981 execution petitions pending across the country, which are six months old.”

Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Pankaj Mittal directed all the High Courts to inform them about the arrangements made to ensure expeditious disposal of execution petitions. The Court ordered, “By the next date of hearing, i.e. 07.10.2026, each High Court shall brief us as to what arrangements they have made or have made in their respective jurisdictions for effective and expeditious disposal of execution petitions.” What kind of instructions were issued to the district courts?

The Court was monitoring compliance of its directions for disposal of such cases within the time limit. As of October 16, 2025, more than 8.82 lakh execution petitions were pending across the country. At that time the court had described these figures as extremely disappointing and worrying. Urged the High Court to ensure settlement within six months and create an effective monitoring system.

In its latest order, the Court observed that despite progress in disposal, the number of pending cases is still very high. The court observed that current data shows that 7,95,981 execution petitions are still pending for more than six months.

The Court observed that from March 6, 2025, when it directed the time-bound disposal of execution petitions, till April 10, 2026, a total of 7,69,731 execution petitions were decided and disposed of. This includes 3,38,685 cases disposed of in the first phase following the directions of March 6, 2025, and another 4,31,046 cases disposed of after October 16, 2025.

The Court highlighted state-wise figures which show that cases are still pending. There are 26,943 execution petitions pending in Uttar Pradesh, of which proceedings in 3,057 cases were stayed by higher courts. In Maharashtra, 3,95,960 execution petitions are pending, of which 11,966 cases are stayed. Of the 28,192 pending execution petitions in West Bengal, proceedings are stayed in 1,008 cases. In Madhya Pradesh, out of 50,579 pending execution petitions, 2,537 cases are under stay

The Supreme Court requested the Chief Justices of Allahabad High Court, Bombay High Court, Calcutta High Court and Madhya Pradesh High Court to examine the cases in which the proceedings have been stayed and ensure that such cases are taken up at the earliest so that the execution proceedings are not delayed.