Regarding need for comprehensive judicial reforms to address alleged perjury and pendency of cases in Indian courts-laid

Regarding need for comprehensive judicial reforms to address alleged perjury and pendency of cases in Indian courts-laid SHRI ATUL GARG (GHAZIABAD): I express deep concern over the pendency of approximately 5 crore cases in Indian courts, largely due to prolonged trials fuelled by perjury and false pleadings. Sections 215 and 379 of the BNSS create a procedural bar, making it difficult to initiate action against perjury, and allowing offenders to act with impunity. This lack of deterrence results in a negligible plea-bargaining rate of 0.11% in India, compared to over 90% in developed jurisdictions. To restore the sanctity of the oath is essential to uphold the national motto 'Satyamev Jayate'. To address this, I urge upon the Government to constitute a High-Powered Committee to review procedural hurdles under Sections 215 and 379 of BNSS; bring legislative amendments to allow direct prosecution of perjury in cases of blatant false statements on affidavit; introduce a 'One-Time Amnesty Scheme' allowing litigants to withdraw or correct false statements without penal consequences; and implement strict minimum penalties and fast-track procedures for perjury convictions to create effective deterrence, encouraging genuine Plea Bargaining and reducing the burden on the judiciary. This would help transition from a culture of denial to a culture of truth in judicial proceedings.