Trade Flock
16 Jan 2026
The Indian judicial system, like many other judicial systems worldwide, is facing a growing crisis of transparency and effectiveness. The fact that over three-quarters of Supreme Court cases are pending for more than three years has led legal scholars, practitioners, and administrators to consider the concept of the shadow docket. This term highlights the lack of transparency in judicial decision-making. While the courts are overwhelmed by case loads, technology offers a transformative opportunity: data analytics, blockchain, and real-time monitoring could revolutionize judicial management by shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach.
Understanding the Shadow Docket
The term “shadow docket” has long been used to refer to cases pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. In contrast, in India, it indicates a greater level of opacity in judicial proceedings and delays. The National Judicial Data Grid indicates that the Supreme Court alone is awaiting more than 1.3 million cases, many of which have been pending for over three years. Besides frustrating citizens, these prolonged delays also undermine the rule of law and increase the cost of litigation. Additionally, there is a lack of transparency in how cases are prioritized; litigants are often unaware of why some issues are fast-tracked while others are not progressing.
Data Analytics as a Judicial Lens
Data analytics has huge potential to reduce backlog. Legal tech creates systems that analyze case data, identify procedural issues, and reveal judicial trends. Predictive models forecast delays, helping administrators allocate resources efficiently. Analytics examine judgments, filings, and motions to expose system inefficiencies like underused courts, repeated adjournments, and procedural chaos.
A 2024 study by the Centre for Policy Research found about 40% of civil litigation delays in the Supreme Court are due to procedural inefficiencies. AI analytics can spot these bottlenecks early, giving courts actionable insights to speed cases.
Blockchain-Led Innovation in Case Management
Legal executives like Divya Kumat of Datamatics lead in integrating blockchain to create tamper-proof, auditable case-tracking ledgers. Blockchain ensures each step, from filing to order, is immutable and timestamped, reducing human error and negligence. When linked with data analytics dashboards, legal teams can monitor case progress, predict delays, and intervene to prevent stalls.
Initial systems have shown results. Pilot programs with over 2,000 civil and commercial cases saw an average resolution of 18 months, about 25% shorter. Blockchain tracking improves efficiency and accountability, aiding judicial oversight in maintaining procedural standards.
Predictive Models for Judicial Efficiency
Another essential tool is AI-driven predictive models. These models can forecast which cases will remain in long queues based on trends in case history data, such as judge assignments, rates of adjournment, and types of filings. Legal administrators can then proactively reassign cases, add more benches, or prioritize important issues to maximize throughput.
According to a recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, predictive modeling has the potential to reduce backlog risk by thirty percent when combined with administrative interventions. The models are also useful in making policy-level decisions, such as the introduction of temporary benches or special panels for high-priority litigation, like commercial or constitutional cases.
Transforming Legal Leadership
For legal leaders, integrating analytics and blockchain requires more than just adopting new technology; it demands a cultural shift. Data-driven oversight in judicial governance must become standard practice for senior counsels, court administrators, and CLOs. Leaders like Divya Kumat demonstrate how technology can serve as a strategic tool rather than just a compliance mechanism to identify and reduce systemic inefficiencies.
Training is also evolving. Lawyers, clerks, and junior advocates need to learn how to communicate with analytics dashboards, analyze blockchain reports, and act on predictive data. By incorporating these skills into daily operations, the legal system can become more proactive, shifting from a reactive approach that addresses case congestion to a preventative one that minimizes delays and bottlenecks.
Policy Implications and Broader Impact
The use of data analytics and blockchain in the judicial process has broader implications for governance and public trust. Open monitoring can guide policy changes, such as adjusting procedural timelines, better allocating resources, and implementing performance evaluations for court officials. When litigants have access to transparent timelines, status updates, and reasoning for prioritization, the system gains credibility.
Furthermore, as India handles increasing amounts of commercial, constitutional, and digital-era litigation, implementing these tools could serve as a model for other jurisdictions addressing the so-called shadow docket issues. India can demonstrate that it remains at the forefront of effective and accountable courts by showing that judicial discretion can be enhanced with technology without compromising legal integrity.
From Opaque Backlogs to Data-Driven Justice
The dilemma of the shadow docket is not just a legal issue; it’s a social one, as it affects millions who rely on the court to deliver decisions accurately and in a timely manner. Making the legal system more transparent, efficient, and predictable can be achieved through the use of data analytics and blockchain, supported by leaders like Divya Kumat. The Supreme Court and lower courts can reduce delays, build trust, and uphold the principles of justice by shifting from reactive to predictive governance in managing judicial activities. The integration of law and data will not only lead to faster, more efficient solutions as India adopts new technologies but also foster a more responsible and equitable judicial system for everyone.