Family Courts are special types of courts which specialize in adjudicating marital discord, separation, divorce, alimony and custody disputes. These proceedings are closed to the general public – only parties involved can attend.
Family courts are mandated to offer counseling as the initial solution for unhappy couples; however, counsellors often change every three months, further delaying cases.
The number of family courts in Maharashtra
Family courts are special courts dedicated to married couples. Their legal matters involve issues like divorce, custody and alimony as well as marriage counseling and support services. Family courts can be found across many states but typically in urban areas; typically staffed with judges and lawyers they handle all manner of cases from divorce, custody and support to infidelity issues or domestic violence.
Mumbai’s seven family court judges are overburdened with caseload, and need additional support. Therefore, the state government’s promise to set up 14 new family courts across Mumbai (plus one each in Thane and Navi Mumbai) is welcome news as this will allow courts to reduce backlog and improve services to all families in need.
Even with their vital role, family courts face many difficulties. They are often overburdened and lacking infrastructure. Furthermore, there is often a shortage of judges as well as low awareness among members of the general public which leads to lengthy delays in disposing of cases.
But this issue does not only exist within Mumbai – in fact, family courts across Maharashtra are overflowing with cases. While there may be several causes behind this – from poor governance and an ineffective justice system to simply unfounded allegations – these problems stem from one source: Poor Governance and Justice Systems
There are numerous strategies for increasing the efficiency of family courts, such as increasing the number of judges, decreasing processing times for cases and optimizing technology usage. Furthermore, governments should make it easier for people to access courts through increased training and funding programs for lawyers and judges.
Pune family courts have a massive backlog, so the state cabinet approved a proposal to set up four additional family courts there at an estimated total cost of Rs 4.5 crore and with 54 additional staff hired by government for operation by Diwali – this decision coming following public interest litigation by a lawyer.
The number of family courts in Mumbai
Family courts are special courts dedicated to handling legal issues pertaining to married couples, with an emphasis on non-adversarial dispute resolution and conciliation between parties. Family courts are regulated by the Family Court Act of 1984 which mandates at least one such court in cities with over one million inhabitants; it comprises judges, lawyers and marriage counselors who listen carefully to both sides before making their own decision on how best to resolve it.
Although Indian family courts were set up to facilitate the resolution of family-related disputes, they face several difficulties. These include an excessive backlog of cases and judges and low levels of public awareness – which can delay processing divorce cases and other family-related matters.
Although these issues remain, the government is actively taking steps to enhance family conditions in India. For instance, the Maharashtra State government plans on setting up 14 family courts across Mumbai and one each in Thane and Navi Mumbai in order to address the current shortage of judges while expediting case resolution times more quickly.
Family courts play an essential part of India’s judicial system and help families settle disputes amicably and cost effectively. Furthermore, they possess powers such as ordering restitution and providing alimony – making them an attractive option for those wishing to avoid lengthy and expensive litigation processes.
Complex family law issues in India frequently lead to multiple filings and long waiting periods for litigants. Furthermore, sociocultural factors like patriarchy and gender discrimination may negatively influence how the courts process cases. Therefore, Mumbai family courts have seen their backlog increase significantly due to frivolous applications or counter-applications being filed against one another resulting in further filings clogging up court processes.
As part of their efforts to reduce delays, Mumbai’s Family Court has recently introduced a lactation room specifically for women. According to Swati Chauhan, principal judge at this court, many mothers visit with infants in need of feeding space; it was first implemented by Maharashtra courts.
The number of family courts in Thane
Family courts specialize in resolving matters relating to marriage, divorce and related issues, including those surrounding custody arrangements or child support payments. Their purpose is to facilitate conciliation and find speedy legal solutions quickly for those involved. Run by judges with special training in family law; assisted by family prosecutors as well as mental health specialists experienced in working with families.
Family court caseloads have steadily grown over time, likely as a result of factors including an ageing population, higher divorce rates, and an increasing number of couples looking for children through adoption. This surge has left courts overwhelmed and created significant backlogs. To address the situation more courts are planned.
Early this year, Thane Family Court issued a divorce order for an elderly couple who had been embroiled in legal disputes for over 10 years. To save costs and prevent further litigation, they were advised to file for mutual divorce to avoid further litigation; attend counseling sessions as well as draft custody agreements for their child.
Thane Family Court now features a counselling centre designed to ease couples through the trauma of divorce. This initiative was spearheaded by both Bombay high court and Thane district and session judge; additional counselling centres could soon be set up across Maharashtra.
Recently, a couple from Marol approached a court seeking mutual divorce after 10 years of courtroom battles and frequent travel between South Mumbai and Thane for hearings. Finally, they approached National Lok Adalat as relief from long-running litigation; soon thereafter the family court granted them one within 30 minutes!
As part of an effort to address the mounting backlog of family court cases in Maharashtra, officials announced they will establish 14 additional family courts – this number being added on top of seven already existing ones – including women’s, international family and special children’s courts.
The number of family courts in Navi Mumbai
Family courts provide legal forums for speedy resolution of issues related to marriage, children, divorce and property. Their goal is reconciliation among couples. Family courts play an essential role in India’s judicial system as safe spaces where women and children can turn when in crisis; and ensure all parties involved receive equal treatment in cases. Moreover, they often address sociocultural factors that lead to conflict or domestic violence as part of their mandate.
The Maharashtra government has taken steps to meet the rising need for more family courts across Maharashtra. A new family court was opened in Navi Mumbai so residents do not need to travel long distances in order to fight their cases and save both time and money by doing so locally. Furthermore, 41 additional family courts have been set up across Maharashtra as a part of these measures; according to Devendra Fadnavis who acts as both deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister this will allow access to justice for all families living here.
However, these courts still lack enough judges to adequately deal with the immense backlog of divorce petitions, while lack of empathy makes the process of divorce even harder for some individuals. Furthermore, couples sometimes use courts as an arena to file frivolous applications that prolong litigation; leading to disputes which ultimately do no one any good – including their children.
To meet these challenges, the state government of Mumbai is building 14 additional family courts. Furthermore, an 11-story building dedicated solely for these courts in Mumbai will also be constructed, and these facilities can accommodate more judges and litigants. Furthermore, government has expanded their network of counselling centers with specially trained counsellors that specialize in handling sensitive cases; additionally the courts provide special rooms for mediation and counseling which play a crucial part in their success.
